Saints’ biggest remaining needs ahead of 2026

By Ross Jackson

After an exciting 2026 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints have answered a lot of questions. They’ve built around quarterback Tyler Shough, added speed across the roster and bolstered their improving run defense. 

But some questions still remain unanswered. With ample time before the season, there will be many opportunities to find the resolution the team will be searching to uncover. Here are some of the questions worth monitoring. 

Will defensive end Cameron Jordan return?

This has been one of the biggest questions all offseason, but remains unanswered due to the need for requisite information. Now that free agency and the draft have concluded, it’s clear that there’s still a role available for Jordan in the Saints’ defense. Especially if he wants to focus on rushing the passer. 

General manager Mickey Loomis has said that the organization and Jordan have had good talks. With a role still open, perhaps things can finally progress. 

What future awaits running back Alvin Kamara?

Perhaps the second-biggest question of the offseason, this one may have cleared its first hurdle. After the free agency addition of running back Travis Etienne Jr., all eyes were on the draft. While New Orleans didn’t approach the draft thinking that it must scoop up another rusher, it’s unlikely they would have turned one down were they the best player available on the team’s board. 

But now that the draft has come and gone and the team has only added an undrafted running back, Ohio State’s CJ Donaldson, of an entirely different ilk as Kamara, it does not appear that the Saints are in a hurry to replace the all-time leading rusher. 

Now, the focus will go to the contract agreement between both sides, eyeing whether or not an adjustment will be sought. 

Who takes over the STAR/slot role?

Loomis said after Day 3 that, ideally, the team would have landed an option early in the draft for this role. Despite attempts to trade up (presumably to address that want) the addition never came to fruition. 

With that, the Saints will turn to in-house options to find a player to suit the versatile role. Or perhaps, may continue to pursue veteran options. 

Who backs up center Erik McCoy?

While the Saints didn’t add a backup center in free agency, the draft or undrafted free agency, the team added enough guard help to move a player to the center role. 

The front-runner should be offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III. But this may well be a resolution not identified until training camp. 

Will defensive end Tyree Wilson rebound on his new home? 

The Saints’ edge defender address during the draft came by trading their fifth-round selection to the Las Vegas Raiders for Wilson and a seventh-round pick (CB TJ Hall). Now, Wilson has a chance to start fresh in New Orleans much like fellow defensive end Chase Young did a couple of years ago. 

Making good on that opportunity may revitalize his future and could earn him a long-term role and contract in the Crescent City. This question may not be answered until the 2026-27 season ends. It will be an intriguing story to watch.