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By Ross Jackson
We’ve taken a look at how the New Orleans Saints are setting up to embrace the league’s newest trend of multi-tight end sets and how the team’s defense is preparing to match up against it.
For the offense, additions like tight ends Noah Fant and Oscar Delp help immensely, while the defense is bolstered with the addition of Linebacker Kaden Elliss and the potential of safety Jonas Sanker assuming the STAR/slot role. The defense will also be put to the test quickly.
New Orleans will face, in 2026, the nine teams that ran 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) the most frequently in the league last year.
Per TruMedia, the top-10 offenses in 12-personnel snap percentage in the 2025 regular season were the:
- Cleveland Browns
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Green Bay Packers
- New York Giants
- Chicago Bears
- Arizona Cardinals
- Cincinnati Bengals
Each of those teams is set to face the Saints in 2026, with the Falcons doing so twice. That makes 10 games against the nine teams that used the league’s predominant two-tight end grouping at a higher rate than any other teams in the league.
In fact, all 14 teams New Orleans will contend with this season ranked in the top-20 of 12 personnel usage.
Therefore, it is increasingly important that the Saints are ready to matchup against these heavier, physical sets, both in the run and pass defense game.
While the Saints are set to face teams that focused on this offensive look last year, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will in 2026. Offenses do change every year. However, it’s indicative of a need to be prepared to face some of the teams that are on the cutting edge of the league’s latest trend.
Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is a matchup connoisseur. That should make for some fun and innovative chess matches throughout the 2026 season.
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