The New Orleans Saints don’t have many roster spots open going into training camp this year, but there are still opportunities for players to compete for larger roles. As training camp begins for the team, competitions kick off and proving grounds are set for a chance to earn one of the few available slots on the roster or at least bolster their contributions on the field for 2026.
Here are five players that are fighting to achieve one of those goals.
Linebacker Danny Stutsman
While linebackers Kaden Elliss and Pete Werner are firmly implanted in the Saints’ defense, Stutsman is a player deserving of additional opportunities. He’ll get his chance to prove that throughout training camp within a room that saw considerable changeover from a quality perspective, but not from a quantity perspective. Stutsman’s impressive 5.4% missed tackle rate in 2025 shows that he’s ready for a larger role in New Orleans.
Defensive Tackle Vernon Broughton
Coming back from a season-ending hip injury during his rookie year, the second-year defensive tackle now has a chance to earn snaps in the interior rotation. Along with rookie Christen Miller and veteran Davon Godchaux, Broughton can quickly become an early-down contributor, but proving that he can be a pass rushing threat as well could maximize his opportunities. Camp will provide him a chance to showcase his skill set after a number of months to recover and develop.
Wide Receiver Ja’Lynn Polk
Speaking of time to recover, Polk is one of the players in position to seal up a roster spot after having the 2025 season set aside to return to action from a shoulder injury. Knowing that he would be unavailable for the season, the Saints still traded to acquire Polk from the New England Patriots last offseason, showing a level of trust and investment in his talents. His goal now is to prove them right and potentially grab hold of one of the few open roster spots on the team.
Running Back Audric Estime
With a full room of running backs now positioned to compete behind top backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara, Estime’s name is often forgotten behind drafted backs Kendre Miller and Devin Neal. Should the Saints look to keep four backs on the active roster, Estime’s between the tackles, physical nature would be a strong change-of-pace option and short-yardage bet to keep in the room. His unique skill set could put him in line to snag, like Polk, one of the few open roster spots.
Offensive Lineman Alan Herron
As one of the most notable undrafted additions this offseason, the Maryland product is looking to make his way on to an NFL roster after having only started to play football during his final years of high school. Herron moves very well for his size at 6-foot-5 and 308-pounds. New Orleans gave him a large guarantee to get him on their roster, now he has a chance to compete and potentially earn a key role as a depth piece on the Saints’ offensive line with a lot of developmental upside.
