After an impressive 2025 defensive season, the New Orleans Saints are looking to maintain the momentum of their strong finish and convincing surge to close out the year.
As they work to make the leap into 2026, three key elements will allow them to repeat and build upon their formidable attack from last year: pass rush, unpredictability and takeaways. With this offseason’s moves, it’s clear that the team has been building their roster in order to elevate those very aspects of the defense.
Turn EDGE Chase Young Loose
One of the turning points of the Saints’ 2025 season was the return of Young to the defensive lineup. New Orleans went from generating a pressure percentage of 28.6% over the first five weeks without him. In the final 12 games with Young back, the team’s pressure rate leapt almost ten percent to 37.3%. The Saints went from No. 29 to No. 15 in the league with his production added.
As Young goes into his second season with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley calling the shots, the expectations are high. New Orleans has proven its ability to take over games late by turning Young loose, and shouldn’t look to dial anything back with him in 2026.
Win With Versatility and Creativity
With versatile defenders like STAR/slot safety Jonas Sanker and linebacker Kaden Elliss, the Saints have a unique opportunity going into 2026 to make their defense as unpredictable as NFL offenses aim to be.
Staley’s ability to deploy both of these defenders from a number of spots with a variety of opportunities for impact in coverage, run defense, pass rushing and beyond should be a separating factor for the team. If Elliss, Sanker and other players with positional flex can have the eclectic impact they are capable of, the Saints will be able to string together a long list of interesting ways to disrupt opposing offenses.
Step Up the Interceptions
One place the Saints will be seeking improvement this season will be in the takeaway department, particularly interceptions. WIth only 10 interceptions last year, but a returning ballhawk in safety Julian Blackmon this year, a boost in takeaways in the passing game will propel the defense to new heights.
