One of the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff’s brightest minds, T.J. Paganini is excited for year two in New Orleans. Known for being an eternal optimist, Paganetti has plenty of reason to look to what’s next for the team.
Two strong draft classes, exciting free agent signings and a second year for promising coaching have all helped to turn the tide for the franchise.
For Paganetti, who serves as the team’s run game coordinator, it’s obvious that the moves on offense are what has him most energized going into training camp. One of the headliners of those moves is first-round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.
“When you have two, basically No. 1 receivers, in my opinion, you get more favorable boxes,” Paganetti said. “Where it is a little bit easier to run the ball, so the addition of Tyson is a huge deal for that reason.”
When it comes to Tyson’s contributions, his ability to impact the run game isn’t often taken into consideration. Even though it’s an area of the game on which he prides himself, as he explained in a video he produced with the team shortly after being drafted No. 8 overall, wherein he answered questions from Saints fans.
“The blocking part,” he said when asked what part of his game fans will love immediately. “I’m going to do the dirty work. I’m going to go in there, dig a safety out. I’m going to do everything necessary to win games.”
The draft class excitement doesn’t stop at Tyson for Paganetti. He also outlined the value of the team’s third round selection, tight end Oscar Delp, who could play a large role in how different the team’s offense looks in 2026.
“You also add Delp to the mix, you added (tight end Noah Fant) to the mix,” he said. “So then you can also go 13 or 12 (personnel), whatever it may be, and break the formation if (the defense) is playing heavy, and then if they get small because you’re throwing it a bunch, then now you can run the ball versus more favorable looks as well.”
The versatility of the Saints’ offense is set to be a hallmark of the unit in 2026. Paganetti’s run game should see a boost with this draft class as well as key free agency additions like running back Travis Etienne Jr. and offensive lineman David Edwards.
The team’s very busy offseason, focused on piling up offensive weapons, is on pace to pay off quickly, fueling an optimist like Paganetti with very warranted excitement.
“Obviously the offensive line is very important,” he said. “But the impact of who is on the field from a skill position standpoint, it makes everything go.”
