With very little turnover and a strong finish to the previous season, expectations are high for the New Orleans Saints defense and coordinator Brandon Staley going into 2026.
In order to match the expectations, the Saints’ defense will need to get off to a hot start in 2026, beginning with the launch of training camp in the coming days. From establishing new-look leadership to the evolution of an aggressive and attacking defensive system, Staley’s defenders will be in position to impress or depress throughout camp. The unit will need to make sure it’s on the right side of the equation.
The departure of long-time linebacker Demario Davis looms large, but the addition of linebacker Kaden Elliss as well as the ascension of edge rusher Chase Young puts New Orleans in position to usher in a new brand of leadership to match its new era.
The team will also see a key change at a foundational position for its defense, the STAR/slot role. With cornerback Alontae Taylor now with the Tennessee Titans, the door is open for promising second-year safety Jonas Sanker to step into an increased and integral role for the group.
Rushing the passer, defending the run, dropping into coverage, Sanker will be asked to handle a ton of responsibilities from both sides of the field. Should he stand up to the task, the Saints could be looking at their next great slot defender on the heels of a season wherein Sanker proved he could be a better-than-viable deep safety as well.
Also in the secondary, the return of roaming post-safety Julian Blackmon, a proven ballhawk in the NFL, brings promise to the team’s ability to generate highlight takeaways in the passing game in 2026. Blackmon lit up training camp last year with a number of interceptions throughout practices. He’ll be looking to put on a similar show in 2026.
The Saints’ defense, because there weren’t as many headlining additions as the offense, has been largely doubted this offseason. But with the benefit of continuity, young talent and increased depth, the group could be one of the team’s unsung strengths.
While many seem to be expecting a regression on that side of the ball, all of the evidence points to a surge that will begin when the team returns to the practice field on July 29.
