Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
After an eventful first phase of free agency for the New Orleans Saints, a number of the team’s new signees have been awarded their jersey numbers for the 2026 season.
There’s always a chance that these can change after roster cuts following the preseason, but for now, running back Travis Etienne Jr., guard David Edwards, punter Ryan Wright and tight end Noah Fant have all been awarded their first numbers as Saints players.
RB Travis Etienne – No. 3
The former Jacksonville Jaguars back is changing his number from the No. 1 he wore with his former team. He is taking on No. 3 as a new beginning with his home state team. The number was previously worn by now-Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Jake Haener.
P Ryan Wright – No. 17
The number has seen many owners in the past most prominently cycling through the wide receiver room. Since 2008, No. 17 has been sported by eight different wide receivers: Robert Meachem, Greg Camarillo, T.J. Graham, Emmanuel Sanders, Kevin White, A.T. Perry, Dante Pettis, and Trey Palmer.
Wright will be the first special teamer to wear the number since punter Mitch Berger in 2005.
G David Edwards – No. 76
This one is pretty cool. Edwards retains the No. 76, which he wore with the Buffalo Bills throughout his tenure there. But the number was most recently donned by his former teammate and now Saints offensive assistant Will Clapp.
TE Noah Fant – No. 87
After a quick turn of the page after the departure of tight end Foster Moreau, who signed with the Houston Texans on the open market, Fant will keep the number in the tight ends’ room.
A number has not yet been assigned to linebacker Kaden Elliss, but the number he’s worn since entering the NFL, No. 55, is available.
Additionally, some players that are on Reserve/Future deals received their new numbers. Former LSU wide receiver Trey Palmer will sport No. 10, previously worn by former wideout Brandin Cooks. His partners in the receiver room, Ronnie Bell and Damien Alford will don Nos. 11 and 85 respectively.
