Mandatory minicamp is on the way and the pulse around the New Orleans Saints is maintaining positive momentum among the fanbase. However, many questions remain headed into the season. Here are some of my thoughts on some of the biggest questions shared for the mailbag.
What would be the minimum for coach Kellen Moore to be nominated for NFL Coach of the Year?
I think it will take more than just winning the NFC South, but doing so outright. Another eight-win team winning the division stamps their way to the playoffs, but probably isn’t enough to propel Moore into end of year award conversations. I’d say a double-digit win season, especially one achieved with a strong offensive performance, would at least get him in consideration. That would represent a quick turnover from a team that’s not made the playoffs nor surpassed single-digit wins in five seasons.
Are Quincy Riley and Martin Emerson Jr. battling for that No. 2 cornerback spot?
We’ll see what happens when the team gets into training camp in July, but as of now there aren’t any signs of a battle for either top cornerback spot. Both Riley and top corner Kool-Aid McKinstry appear to be firmly entrenched in their roles with Emerson and Isaac Yiadom holding down the next slot in the rotation. Come camp, though, the team won’t ignore if a player that’s later in the rotation is impressing. The important thing to remember here is that some camp battles are previously expected, others arise organically. This could become an example of the latter, but for now Riley is well-suited to hold on to his spot.
What camp battle are you looking forward to and what is the Saints’ strongest position going into the season?
Wide receiver. While there’s no jostling to be done at the top, the Saints’ wideout position has seen a complete 180-degree shift since last year when it comes to depth. There are a lot of talented pass-catchers now in the room that will be competing for limited spots with three quarterbacks that can sling it. That should create some fun moments in camp.
Safety to me is the team’s strongest position. Right at the top, the position is in good hands with Justin Reid, Julian Blackmon and Jonas Sanker, who will all now see the field together in 2026 barring anything unforeseen. Beyond them, depth contributors like Jordan Howden and Terrell Burgess provide experience and versatility while Elliott Davison continues to develop. To me, this is the best position group on the roster from top to bottom.
What do you think Danny Stutsman does in year two with the Saints?
I imagine he continues to rotate with linebacker Pete Werner at MIKE while Kaden Elliss plays a more versatile WILL role that will allow him to roam and rush the passer a bit more than we saw with Demario Davis. Stutsman is on track to take a larger role, but Werner stands to continue being a factor. What will be most interesting is whether or not Stutsman’s snaps increase throughout the year, much like what happened with Riley at cornerback last season.
Who ends up starting at Right Guard?
Cesar Ruiz. Saints want to see more from him and 2026 is a critical season for him. There were a variety of trade rumors around him over the offseason and draft, but ultimately he’s in New Orleans and has something to prove. The team won’t rob him of that chance. The addition of Jeremiah Wright via the draft and return of Dillon Radunz offers some flexibility, but I’d be surprised if Ruiz isn’t the Week 1 starter barring an unexpected trade.
What are the expectations for Special Teams play, and what has been done to expect improvement?
The team has certainly invested in improvement. They now have one of the highest-paid punters in the league after signing Ryan Wright, who is set to be a massive upgrade over the last few undrafted rookie swings. New Orleans has also invested in a lot of speed this offseason with players like wide receivers Bryce Lance and Barion Brown as well as Lorenzo Styles Jr. who can contribute in the return and coverage categories. At kicker, the progress for Charlie Smyth is expected to be notable. The Saints have put a focus on improving this area of the game. How it pans out will have to be seen as the season opens, but there’s a lot of confidence inside the building here.
What kind of vibes are emanating from the Saints these days?
At this point in the offseason vibes are typically pretty high, but I don’t think that’s disingenuous at all. Moore has put a large amount of attention and focus on building relationships and camaraderie across the roster and coaching staff, and it looks to be working. This was the case last year too, resulting in a six-win season, but considering the way the season began, the relationships and chemistry proved to be fruitful as the year wrapped up. There’s value in vibes.
