Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints appear likely to enter the wide receiver market in this year’s offseason. Top wideout Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele return while promising unknowns such as Trey Palmer and injured wideout Ja’Lynn Polk are back too. Polk is a former first round pick the Saints traded for while on Injured Reserve.
However, the team may decide to continue to invest at the position. In doing so, they could swing big in the first round for players like Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson or Ohio State pass-catcher Carnell Tate. Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt could see his stock rise with a strong national championship performance as well.
But another name to keep an eye out on is Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell. A one-year teammate of Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, Bell suffered an ACL tear that ended his final collegiate season early.
The tear happened in late November, likely backing up his availability into the middle of the 2026 season.
But with 72 receptions, 917 receiving yards and six touchdown catches, great size (6’2, 220) and great speed that makes him a threat with the ball in his hands, a second-round investment could still work.
Louisville WR Chris Bell’s YAC skills are more than just athleticism too.
Outstanding awareness of where the nearest defenders are, and a beautiful transition from receiver to runner.
Then the athleticism takes over.#NFLDraft #GoCards pic.twitter.com/k72PkIZ9bS
— AJ Cola (@AJ_FFball) January 10, 2026
Former Alabama wideout Jameson Williams was still selected No. 12 overall by the Detroit Lions following his late-season injury. The same investment tactic could be reasonable for Bell and his explosive skill set.
So while the Saints may be in the market for wide receivers, they may also have the top-end talent needed to play the long game for Bell who could help make their receiver room one of the league’s best.
