New Orleans Saints Aim for 2026 Turnaround
New Orleans Saints enter 2026 aiming to build on a late 2025 surge, with Tyler Shough’s growth and new offensive additions in focus.
Mehmet Şahinoğlu ·
The New Orleans Saints head into the 2026 NFL season trying to convert a late-season lift into a broader reset after finishing 6-11 in 2025. Team plans center on sustaining the momentum from the closing stretch of last year, when New Orleans won five of its final nine games, while reshaping an offense and managing a reworked roster.
A major element of the Saints’ approach is the continued development of quarterback Tyler Shough, now entering his second season. Shough became the starter in Week 9 last season, and the team is counting on his progression to stabilize production on an offense that is being reinforced through targeted additions.
Tyler Shough and Chris Olave set the baseline
One of the clearest positives from the second half of 2025 was Shough’s connection with wide receiver Chris Olave. Olave delivered 1,163 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, giving New Orleans a proven passing focal point as the club looks to raise its overall scoring consistency. For the Saints, the challenge is turning that passing efficiency into a more balanced unit. That is especially important given the team’s struggles on the ground last season, when it ranked 28th in rushing.
Off-season additions target the run game and protection
To address those offensive shortcomings, the Saints added running back Travis Etienne Jr. and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. They also brought in guard David Edwards, a move aimed at improving the interior line as the team tries to boost rushing output and reduce pressure points in the pocket. Officials have framed the broader effort as part of a strategic shift that comes after significant roster turnover and salary cap restructuring. The is to reshape the supporting cast around Shough while keeping the roster functional under the cap constraints that influenced recent decisions.