One of the most predictably reliable groups the New Orleans Saints will field as their 2026 training camp kicks off will be the team’s talented collection of tight ends.
While the group is expected to be an exciting one to watch throughout the weeks of camp, it’s also considered one of the most predictable. That’s because the top of the position room already appears to be set while the depth is likely to be built out by familiar faces.
That’s not a bad place to be for one of the team’s most versatile rooms that’s prepared to be heavily utilized by head coach Kellen Moore.
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How the tight ends are deployed in Moore’s offense should be very fun to track throughout camp. Already, the group has taken snaps from multiple alignments with a variety of responsibilities and points of attack. The group is a versatile one that can block in the run game but also packs a lot of athleticism to aid in the passing game.
Teams around the league, especially New Orleans, are expected to embrace more multi-tight end sets this year. The offseason additions of Fant and Delp help to signal that.
Their collection of fluid movers and physical players atop the position, headlined by Johnson who just had a career year in New Orleans, is set to be as impactful as any position on offense this year. Training camp will provide an informative preview.
Most Intriguing Battle: Depth
There aren’t many battles to be held at this position. If the Saints were to only keep three tight ends on the initial roster, it’s clear that those spots go to Johnson, Fant and Delp. The question then simply becomes: who makes the practice squad?
Welch, behind Johnson, is the most familiar of the bunch having been in New Orleans since 2024 with Mitchell-Paden and Matavao joining last year. Hardy is an undrafted rookie out of NC State with promising size and physicality, listed at 6-foot-5 and 271 pounds.
The four players will battle it out for a number of practice squad spots in camp. Last year, New Orleans carried as many as three tight ends on the practice squad, meaning there could be a lot of opportunity to land a spot in 2026.
