Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
After a strong finish to the 2025 season and an impressive free agency period this offseason, the New Orleans Saints were a popular topic at this year’s NFL Annual Meeting.
With question marks lingering about the future of some important franchise figures, excitement around a young quarterback and a top-10 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, there was much to discuss.
Here are some of the important things we heard at the event about Saints stories big and small.
On Running Back Alvin Kamara’s Future
One of the biggest Saints topics over the course of the event, several conversations yielded the same result: uncertainty. Head coach Kellen Moore said that he can see a world where both Kamara and newly-signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. could co-exist in the team’s backfield.
Additional conversations create a similar impression. While the idea of Kamara returning isn’t impossible, neither is the idea of a split.
How the draft plays out and further contractual considerations could play a role in the final result.
The Saints Would Like To Have Cam Jordan Back
As both Moore and Jordan have each made clear, a return to New Orleans for the defensive end is very possible. The biggest question Jordan will have to answer for his decision will be whether the Saints can offer him the role that will allow him to continue to produce at the rate which he desires.
After exploring the open market, should Jordan find that the Saints provide him the best opportunity, he could very well be back in the Black and Gold in 2026.
Demario Davis’s Decision to Depart Wasn’t About Saints or Money
In speaking with those familiar with Davis’ decision to leave New Orleans and return for a third stint with the New York Jets, I get the sense that the choice had more to do with Davis wanting to return where his career started and helping his friend, head coach Aaron Glenn, by having a positive impact on the franchise.
There are no indications of bad blood or disconnect between Davis and the Saints. Quite the opposite can easily be gleaned from the linebacker’s public statements about his time with the organization and community.
Chris Olave’s Extension Talks Continue
It’s no mystery that conversations are ongoing between the Saints and Olave when it comes to getting an extension done for the 2022 first-round receiver. However, the value of that contract has several opinions. While some consider the wideout deserving of more than his collegiate teammate and current New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson ($32.5 million per year) due to the timing of his deal, others estimate his top earning potential to be around $30 million per year due to production metrics and injury history.
The Saints have to take all of this into consideration in building a potential extension for Olave. The team’s judicious approach to free agency may be a precursor to how they handle such a complex negotiation.
It appears the Saints are currently most comfortable with the lower end of the projected ranges.
Bryan Bresee Impressed in 2025
Despite his falling sack numbers, New Orleans apparently came away pleased with Bresee’s performance in 2025. The 2023 first-round selection went from leading the team in sacks in 2024 with 7.5 to wrangling just 2.5 last year. However, his development as a run defender in his new defensive end role has generated optimism anyway.
This is great news for Bresee, whose fifth-year option is up for consideration this offseason. The Saints will have until May 1 to make a decision on the projected $13.93 million option for 2027.
Replacing Alontae Taylor’s Slot Production
The Saints feel they have players in-house at both cornerback and safety that could step into Alontae’s role. Namely players like Quincy Riley, Julian Blackmon, Jonas Sanker and Jordan Howden are among those that project to the position well. There are also multiple draft options that could entice the Saints to consider a new face if the board falls appropriately.
Other Nuggets
- I consider the Saints’ biggest remaining needs edge rusher, defensive tackle, interior offensive line, cornerback and wide receiver. Many evaluators believe all five position groups offer upside in this year’s NFL draft with the interior offensive line group potentially being the thinnest of the group.
- The Saints are still having conversations with potential free agent additions.
- One unexpected name was brought up when polling for surprising moves the Saints have made recently: cornerback Rico Payton.
- Expect another kicker to be added for training camp purposes. But don’t expect incumbent kicker Charlie Smyth to be ousted without a fight. Smyth’s resilience when asked to compete last year has impressed New Orleans.
- The decision to pursue linebacker Kaden Elliss sounds like it happened independent of Davis’ departure.
- New Orleans has not received calls about quarterback Derek Carr from clubs interested in acquiring his rights out of retirement.
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