Four of the New Orleans Saints’ five offensive line starters from 2025 are returning to the field as the Saints kickoff their 2026 season on Sunday.
But even with the majority of pieces returning, the expectations of change are both present and unmistakable.
With tackles Kelvin Banks Jr. and Taliese Fuaga returning to their positions in the same offensive system for another year and the key free agency acquisition of left guard David Edwards, the team appears to have new life in the trenches.
The return of starting center Erik McCoy, one of the best at his position in the NFL, from injury and another year for Cesar Ruiz to prove himself has also added optimism for the unit.
Moreover, investments in depth and potential future pieces like guard Jeremiah Wright provide a chance to raise the floor of the position group.
On Sunday against the Detroit Lions, the Saints’ new-look offensive line will be faced with a test.
Not just because of Lions’ pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but also interior defenders Tyliek Williams and Alim McNeill along with their hopeful upgrade opposite Hutchinson with edge rusher D.J. Wonnum.
The Lions will provide a formidable attack against which to measure the growth and development of the Saints’ protection unit.
That protection won’t just be tried in the pass rush, but in The rushing attack as well.
New Orleans averaged just 3.7 yards per rush last season, No. 31 in the league. Improving upon that number and reducing quarterback Tyler Shough’s high sack rate (an average over more than three per start) will be integral in showing the improvement of the unit and the overall evolution of the offense.
Quick throws (Shough had the fourth-fastest average time to throw last season) will play a large role as well. But the better the offensive line protects in the passing game, the better chance New Orleans has to dial up big plays, and the better the line opens up the rushing attack, the less pressure Shough will have to navigate.
This weekend represents not just the start of the new season for New Orleans, but the potential to take a major step forward with their success starting in the trenches.
