Five extensions/re-signings Saints must consider this offseason

By Ross Jackson

On the Tuesday following the Divisional playoff round, the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff returned to the facility. That same afternoon, the team announced it had signed safety Julian Blackmon to a one-year extension. While the move was lauded by evaluators, it’s far from the only one New Orleans has a chance to finalize in the coming weeks.

Here are five more extensions or re-signings the Saints must consider as free agency nears. 

For reference, an extension would be an agreement that takes place before a player’s contract has lapsed or expired. A re-signing would take place after that happens. The two operationally achieve the same thing, it’s just a manner of timing. 

CB Alontae Taylor

Sticking with the secondary on defense, Taylor is one of the biggest names the Saints have to consider this offseason. The trick will be finding a contract value for him that makes sense for both sides. The Saints want Taylor to continue playing his slot, STAR role, but he could fetch a larger sum on the open market as an outside corner. 

WR Chris Olave

The only player to make this list without an expiring contract. Olave’s extension potential has been well-noted all season as conversations have been ongoing. This deal is likely to be the biggest the Saints hand out this offseason, should an agreement be reached. If not, Olave can still play on his fifth-year option before his team and his representatives head back to the negotiating table in 2027. 

However, judging by the connection between him and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough as well as the strong season he just completed in 2025, getting this done sooner than later might be in the best interest of the organization. Otherwise, his price tag could quickly skyrocket. 

DE Cameron Jordan

With his contract set to void on the final day of the 2025 league year (March 10), the potential future Hall of Famer should absolutely be back in 2026. The challenge here is that at the age of 35, Jordan is entering a contract year after piling on 10.5 sacks off the edge. 

So does the team pay him like a 36-year-old? Or does it pay him like a double-digit sack-getter? What’s the in-between? 

This will be one of the most intriguing contract negotiations across the league for those who enjoy geeking out over contracts like we do. 

LB Demario Davis

Similarly, not many players set a career-high in tackles in their 14th NFL season while having been a productive player over the course of a career. Davis could very well be back in the Big Easy next year as well, but like Jordan, finding the right contract to do so won’t be easy. 

Davis’ leadership and impact off of the field can’t be understated. 

C Luke Fortner

Fortner should be back in black and gold again next year. Going back to 2024, the Saints’ offense absolutely bottomed out without starting center Erik McCoy. In 2025, New Orleans was able to absorb the loss and stay afloat much better thanks to Fortner. Having insurance to help protect against further injuries across the interior is never a bad idea. 

Honorable Mention: QB Taysom Hill

Hill is a tough one to gauge because of the injury history and retirement potential. The do-it-all player had an incredible run and career in New Orleans. That run may be coming to an end this offseason. The Hill gameplan wasn’t the same with the new offensive personnel and staff, and another injury hit Hill as the season ended (an AC joint injury). It’s hard to picture his future in New Orleans right now. Though not impossible.