@Saints on X
By Ross Jackson
For incoming players or veterans not on starting tracks, special teams is the most direct way to earn a roster spot. The New Orleans Saints funnel a lot of resources and attention to this phase of the game, giving players with special teams responsibilities a real importance and ability to contribute to the team’s success.
Last year’s team performance in this area left a lot to be desired, but offseason additions and returning veterans could help to turn things around. Whether as a returner, coverage player or otherwise, some players will be looking to take the special teams path in order to land on the 53-man roster after the preseason.
WR Barion Brown
Logistically speaking, Brown could be the player from the Saints’ drafted rookie class to make an impact during the 2026 season. Brown should immediately step into the role of primary kick and punt returner for the Saints.
In doing so, should the Saints receive the opening kickoff in Detroit, he may get a swing at creating the team’s first highlight of the year.
With six kick return touchdowns in college, Brown’s special teams role is his to lose. Don’t be surprised if he contributes as a legitimate field stretcher on offense as well, if rookie minicamp taught onlookers anything.
Harris has a lot to prove before making the roster in 2026 off the field. But if he does so, his improving 6-foot-7 size makes him a real value in the field goal coverage game. Forcing long field goals means forcing low kicks that are aimed to cover a long distance.
The former Ole Miss lineman blocked seven field goal and point after attempts during his time in college. Bringing that skill to New Orleans can have him quickly carving out a special teams role.
CB Isaac Yiadom
The veteran cornerback may be a roster bubble player, but that doesn’t mean he can’t earn his opportunity to stick around in New Orleans. Yiadom has been one of the team’s top punt gunners since his arrival. With the departure of go-to players in this role like JT Gray and Rico Payton, combined with what should be much better punting this year, Yiadom has true value going into the season.
Styles cashed in the first kick return touchdown for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 15 years last season, so he will quickly garner attention as a returner. However, much like Yiadom, his most impactful special teams responsibility could be in punt coverage.
Styles is an experienced safety that’s comfortable with shooting gaps and tackling and also brings remarkable 4.27-second 40-yard dash speed in the process.
With a much better and proven leg at punter now in Ryan Wright, Styles’ speed could force returners to opt for more fair catches against New Orleans for fear of his ability to quickly close on the fielding area.
RB Ty Chandler
Chandler is another to watch for a return role. His experience as a returner is paramount, but so is his comfort with playing in an NFL backfield.
Every team is required to have two kick returners back to field kickoffs with the new dynamic kick rules. But, those returners often can’t be one dimensional. When one option fields the kickoff, the other must turn into a blocker. Having a running back waiting with Brown to field kicks provides two players that can return, but also are comfortable playing a blocking role.
