Saints replacing several captains in 2026

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

The 2026 season represents a lot of change for the New Orleans Saints. Much like 2025, many changing faces are ushering in a new era for the team.

Along with a solidified quarterback, Tyler Shough, to start the season, the team has also seen the departure of several team captains from last year.

Of the Saints’ eight team captains from 2025, four are currently no longer on the roster.

Last season, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, center Erik McCoy and running back Alvin Kamara were the offensive captains. Linebacker Demario Davis, defensive end Cameron Jordan and safety Justin Reid led the defense and kicker Blake Grupe and long snapper Zach Wood captained the special teams unit.

Of those players, Cooks, Davis, Jordan and Grupe are no longer currently on the roster. However, Jordan does have a contract offer from the team.

Questions continue to swirl around the future of Kamara as well, which could mean the departure of a fifth team captain from last year.

The team will now go into the next season with a new approach to leadership and in search of a new team of captains.

Shough is a lock to become an offensive captain along with McCoy continuing his role. Should anything lead to Kamara not returning to his role, right tackle Taliese Fuaga was a part of the team’s larger leadership council, an initiative started by head coach Kellen Moore last year to get more players into leadership roles.

Defensively, with Reid returning, linebacker Kaden Elliss is likely a natural fit for the role. While with the Atlanta Falcons, he was a three-year captain and defensive signal caller. Defensive end Chase Young appears ready to be one of the next leases as well, should Jordan not return.

As for special teams, Wood should see his third consecutive year as a captain along with veteran punter Ryan Wright as a potential new addition.

New Orleans has a number of options for their new era, with rising players like wide receiver Chris Olave, tight end Juwan Johnson and more to also gain consideration.