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By Ross Jackson
In honor of the NCAA Transfer Portal opening, which we’ll have covered for you throughout the entire window at LouisianaSports.Net, it’s worth looking ahead to the NFL’s version, free agency.
The New Orleans Saints are currently only $15 million over the salary cap for 2026, per OverTheCap. That small potatoes for a team that’s consistently navigated more than $75-$100 million in overages in previous offseason.
With some rollover money (about $8 million) available from unused 2025 funds and the recent recouping of $30 million over two years from former quarterback Derek Carr’s contract, the Saints are in the healthiest salary cap situation they’ve seen in years.
Of course, New Orleans also only has 47 players currently on contracts for 2026, but only the top 51 salaries would count against the cap until roster cuts in August.
The Saints are in position to spend and these are some names that could make sense.
Houston Texans G Ed Ingram
New Orleans has made a habit of returning LSU talent to the boot in recent years. Safety Tyrann Mathieu, wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Trey Palmer, tight end Foster Moreau and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux are among notable examples.
With a notable need along the interior of the offensive line, leaning on the veteran market appears to be a wise path to addressing the concerns there. Oliver, who appeared in 80.1% of snaps heading into Week 18 and is only 27-years-old.
The legal troubles Ingram faced during his time at LSU are behind him after two alleged aggravated sexual assault of a minor charges (connected to an incident when he was 16-years-old) were dismissed in 2019.
Oh my goodness, Ed Ingram. pic.twitter.com/N2lqWkgFbr
— Seth Payne (@SethCPayne) November 30, 2025
Cleveland Browns G Teven Jenkins
The 2021 second-round pick out of Oklahoma State is an athletic offensive lineman with good speed and agility, all things that will fit the Saints’ ideal run game under head coach Kellen Moore.
He appeared in just 26.3% of offensive snaps for Cleveland in 2025 despite appearing in 16 games. His stint in Chicago was overshadowed by a lack of availability, making him a risky signing with injury concerns if you’re looking for a starter. But, as a depth player, Jenkins would not be one to break the bank. He signed a one-year, $3 million deal last year with Browns
Jenkins could be a low risk, high reward signing with players like center Luke Fortner and guard Cesar Ruiz likely to return in 2025.
New York Jets RB Breece Hall
Perhaps it’s wishful thinking that Hall gets out of New York and heads elsewhere, but considering what the Jets organization is again firmly implanted into the process of rebuilding, perhaps he will be looking for greener pastures elsewhere.
The Saints’ strong finish to the 2025 season should be one that attracts talents to be a part of what’s being built in the Big Easy. New Orleans hasn’t been able to put together a strong run game in some time. With the addition of free agent offensive lineman, adding another dynamic option at running back could be the icing on the cake of revitalizing the ground attack for the Saints.
Along with Alvin Kamara, Devin Neal and Audric Estime, the Saints would have a promising running back room that could be built for 2026 and beyond with Neal going into his second year and Estime entering only his third.
The future of running back Kendre Miller will be up in the air after another season ended early with injury. The Saints could save over $1 million moving on from him, a move that is sure to have its supporters. However, there’s nothing restrictive about giving Miller a chance to operate as a part of the Saints’ new committee once he’s recovered and ready to take the field again.
spin cycle ➡️ 40 yards
📺: #NYJvsBAL on CBS | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/Lz0zxDZkEa
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 23, 2025
New England Patriots EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson
This would be another potential LSU Tiger return to Louisiana. Chaison, 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, is a solid fit for the prototype defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has found success with in the past. Chaisson has put together 6.5 sacks so far in 2025 after signing a one-year contract with the Patriots worth up to just $5 million.
It’s likely that his price tag will be a bit higher in 2026, but investing in another former first-round edge rusher could be worth the Saints’ finances. Especially after seeing what Staley has been able to do with defensive end Chase Young in his system.
Green Bay Packers WR Romeo Doubs
Another player that may not be looking to leave his current situation, but for the Saints would make a ton of sense. His 5.2% drop rate is one of the lowest in the NFL among wideouts targeted at least 50 times in 2025, per Pro Football Focus.
He is coming off one of his best years at the end of his rookie contract in Green Bay with 724 receiving yards and six touchdown catches. He’s only four receptions shy of tying his career-high of 59.
At 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, he’d add another physical presence, helping the Saints be ready to maximize the NFL Draft. Because of his contract expectations, taking an early wide receiver in the draft, should the option present itself, would still make sense.
Malik Willis to Romeo Doubs on the @Packers first offensive play 🔥
BALvsGB on @peacock
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/N2snDMTKEG— NFL (@NFL) December 28, 2025
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