The New Orleans Saints have done a lot of maneuvering with their newly established 53-player roster. They’ve addressed depth at some positions, like wide receiver, and brought in new talent in the trenches.
As the moves have slowed over recent days, there are still some lingering questions about the group. Some of which can still be addressed, but for some, the Saints will just have to answer in the moment.
Just how much is the team missing without Jordyn Tyson?
The intrigue here is in trying to quantify what the team hasn’t yet learned. Rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson may not have been the first wide receiver drafted in 2026, but he was widely considered the top wideout throughout the selection process despite his injuries.
Tyson looked explosive and dynamic while showcasing his playmaking abilities early on in training camp. An unfortunate hamstring injury will keep the talented wideout shelved for at least four weeks of the season, plus time for conditioning and practice.
It won’t be until that return that New Orleans will know what they’ve been missing the entire time.
Has special teams improved?
The Saints took an uncharacteristic route to building their special teams unit this year, leaning on proven veterans instead of young, developing options.
Ninth-year kicker Daniel Carlson, fifth-year punter Ryan Wright and 10th-year long snapper Zach Wood are all set to be the triumvirate leading the way for the phase of the game.
New Orleans had a tough 2025 in this area, holding the lowest field goal percentage, No. 29 net punt yards average and highest average field position surrendered off of punts.
Those, among other important metrics, are expected to see a step in the right direction this season.
Do the Saints have the depth they need?
It’s a fact that injuries will happen during this season. New Orleans, just like every other team, will eventually be tested against other deep rosters. The Saints’ roster, as currently constructed, has some depth questions.
Cornerback, running back and offensive line are all positions where depth either appears light or is managing health concerns.
Eventually, the Saints will have to lean on someone younger and less experienced than a starter, and will have to prove that the team can hold up when the depth is tested if they hope to be competitive deep into this season.
