Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Success is going to look a lot different for this year’s version of the New Orleans Saints than it looked in the not-too-distant past.
For a time, playoff appearances were nearly guaranteed and deep postseason runs were expected. Unfortunately for many fans, the Saints just simply aren’t in that point of the NFL lifespan right now. Success in the league ebbs, flows and shifts over the years.
However, New Orleans is firmly on an upswing.
After four years of missing the playoffs and falling short of 10 wins, including last year’s 5-12 record, the worst since 2005, the Saints have made some considerable changes.
The upswing started when New Orleans hired the NFL’s youngest active head coach in Super Bowl-winner Kellen Moore. The team named a new starting quarterback to open the season, with another drafted higher than any QB since 1971 waiting in the wings.
Both the offensive and defensive sides have completely changed their approach and the team, without having to say it out loud, is well under way with a new rebuild.
The Saints may not rack up many wins in 2025, and if they do, it’ll be worth celebrating. More likely, this is a team that plays and wins like one in transition.
For anyone that wanted the team to stop kicking the can down the road and stop operating in a “win now” capacity, this season should represent a positive direction.
The most important piece to the Saints season will be measurable improvements. Progress and the building of a foundation are imperative throughout the season, however that growth may not be linear.
If the Saints can find good to great quarterback play this year, they know who and what to build around for the coming seasons. If they do not, further investment opportunities at the position will be possible. If the team’s new offensive and defensive systems don’t quite fit its personnel, there will be chances to change that in the upcoming offseason.
The results of 2025 will not predetermine the results of 2026 and beyond. The more positive the result, the faster the rebound, though. So taking success where it’s available is a must for New Orleans.
While taking in all of the Saints action this season, patience will be necessary. It may not all come together right away. If it does, it may not stay together. This is a season for diagnosing where it’s possible to improve for the future.
