NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The Saints collapsed from a 2-0 start in 2024 to finish 5-12, enduring a seven-game losing streak and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, then improved slightly to 6-11 in 2025 under new head coach Kellen Moore despite starting 2-10. Derek Carr's May 2025 retirement due to shoulder injury opened the door for second-round pick Tyler Shough, who replaced Spencer Rattler mid-season and sparked a late-year run that injected optimism into the quarterback position. Chris Olave earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025, sustaining his status as the franchise's top receiving asset, while Bryan Bresee's sack production dropped from 7.5 in 2024 to 2.5 in 2025 before his season-ending ACL tear in August 2026 training camp dampened defensive line card interest.

Where they stand: The Saints are in preseason mode, having kicked off training camp in late July with their first exhibition game scheduled for August 15, 2026 against Jacksonville at the Caesars Superdome, followed by road contests at the Rams and Cowboys. The offseason saw linebacker Demario Davis and cornerback Alontae Taylor depart in free agency, while the team added wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 draft and traded for edge rusher Tyree Wilson. Chris Olave missed the 2025 finale with a blood clot in his lungs and was held out of team drills through June OTAs, though recent reports indicate contract extension negotiations are underway for the entering-contract-year receiver.