By Ross Jackson
The NFL announced its 2026 salary cap on Friday, providing promising news to the league and especially the New Orleans Saints.
The league’s new $301.2 million cap limit provides the Saints with more breathing room as they remain just $10.656 million in the red. With just a few moves, New Orleans will quickly be compliant and have the ability to spend this offseason.
With restructures to defensive end Chase Young’s contract and tight end Juwan Johnson’s deal, the Saints could have as much as $6 million in clearance. Plus additional contract restructures like offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz, defensive end Carl Granderson and a restructure or reworking of running back Alvin Kamara’s agreement would all easily net the Saints over $20 million in spending money.
How should New Orleans spend that? The trenches should be the team’s first priority.
Building around quarterback Tyler Shough is often commented on from the perspective of adding weapons on offense. Which is certainly something the team should look to do. However, continuing to build the protection unit, run game and defense are all equally valuable.
Therefore, investing in a starting left guard such as David Edwards, Ed Ingram or Isaac Seumalo would immediately bolster the protection in front of Shough and the run game that can produce alongside him.
Meanwhile, going into the edge rusher market in free agency could be a fruitful pursuit. With options like defensive ends K’Lavon Chaisson, Josh Uche and Odafe Oweh all set to hit the market, options could be abundant.
New Orleans may not be looking to reset the market at any given position, however, swinging big in free agency where the game is won (the trenches) will still cost a pretty penny. A pretty penny that the Saints can finally afford to spend, so long as they do so wisely.
More New Orleans Saints
