An early look at the New Orleans Saints plans for the start of the season is now available at the team website, where the club quietly released its initial depth chart.
New Orleans is still tinkering with its roster and could look to add and adjust talent on its roster through next week, but as the first game with Detroit approaches on Sunday, September 13, a first look at the 2026 Saints’ roster deployment is available.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways.
Backup Quarterback
Head Coach Kellen Moore said that the backup quarterback conversation between Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson isn’t quite settled just yet.
“We’ll work through it in the next few days,” he said after roster cuts. “But both these guys are (QB2s) in the NFL, so we’re fortunate.”
As of now, Rattler, who has more institutional experience than Wilson in New Orleans, is listed as the primary backup behind starting quarterback Tyler Shough.
Third Wide Receiver
Despite rookie Bryce Lance having the more recent ascension throughout training camp, it’s fellow rookie Barion Brown that’s listed as the team’s third wideout behind Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele.
Vele was expected to be the player to hold that role, but with the injury to first-round selection Jordyn Tyson, each player on the wide receiver depth chart advanced a spot. Conversation was expected whether Brown or Lance would claim the space on the depth chart, but Brown gets the early nod.
The decision makes sense being that Brown is built like a smaller, shifty slot receiver while Lance has the build to win as both a big slot option and on the perimeter. Brown’s speed allows him versatility as well.
The truth may be that the slot ends up occupied by a number of players, Olave and Vele included, but the depth chart gives a nod to the dynamic rookie.
Interior Defensive Line
As expected, defensive linemen Nathan Shepherd and Veron Broughton will split the responsibilities of handling the interior role vacated after defender Bryan Bresee’s season-ending injury while Davon Godchaux continues to hold down the nose tackle role.
Meanwhile, rookie Christen Miller is set to serve as the primary rotational option with Godchaux.
Even though the rookie isn’t set as a starter on the depth chart, he and the fellow backup linemen will see a share of snaps.
Newcomers
The Saints added a trio of new faces via waiver claims, all of which look to have established roles.
- Offensive lineman Mason Murphy is set to backup Taliese Fuaga at right tackle.
- Defensive lineman Colby Wooden is slotted behind Miller on the defensive line.
- Cornerback Decamerion Richardson is slotted behind Quincy Riley at cornerback.
Co-Starters
Running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara, as well as edge rushers Chase Young and Carl Granderson, are each listed as co-starters relative to their positions.
This was the case last year for Young as well but started in all 12 games for which he was available throughout the 2025 season.
The same can reasonably be expected for him and Etienne this season. However, at times, the first snap of the game could be occupied by Granderson or Kamara based on the matchup and game plan.
With Kamara and veteran edge defender Cameron Jordan also managing injury, the snaps at each position should be abundant and Young and Granderson may end up seeing a lot of starts together, rather than in place of one another.
Kick Returner
While he never did so during the preseason, Brown is listed as the team’s primary kick returner beside Lance. The rookie duo is set to have an impact beyond what they do on offense, but on special teams as well.
Brown did take some reps as the team’s punt returner throughout the exhibition matchups. But did not receive any opportunities as the kick return, which was his calling card in college.
The former LSU and Kentucky wideout returned six kickoffs for touchdowns over the course of his collegiate career. One shy of the NCAA record. It’s expected to be a big part of his contribution in the league. The Saints, however, did a good job of hiding that over the course of the preseason.
Or at the very least, they know very well what he brings in that area and wanted to get a fair look at other options.
