Saints OTAs offer early look at Tyler Shough’s new arsenal

By Ross Jackson

Next week will offer the first look at the New Orleans Saints’ rookies getting time on the field with new and returning veterans. The headlining group of the sessions is likely to be the team’s new offensive weapons. 

Rookie wide receivers Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance and Barion Brown, free agent running back Travis Etienne Jr.  as well as newly acquired tight ends Noah Fant and Oscar Delp are sure to draw a lot of attention as the media gets its first exposure to those players working with Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. 

There is a reasonable expectation for the Saints’ offense to be explosive and more dynamic in 2026 with these additions. But the groundwork for that boost begins to be laid in OTAs. 

Seeing how Shough and Tyson connect as the veterans and newcomers blend for the first time during these sessions will be paramount. Their connection, along with wide receiver Chris Olave, promises to be the lifeblood of the team’s passing game this year, making it a must-watch during these early practices. 

Similarly, the connection between Tyson and Olave will be informative. How the two work together and interact away from the plays expects to be a highlight. The rookie will have a great chance to pick the veteran’s mind and work on techniques such as release, route-running, cuts and more. 

The usage of tight ends has already been a deeply intriguing element of the offseason. Delp impressed during rookie minicamp, but getting an early look at how he and the veterans in his position room are utilized could tell viewers a lot. 

While decisions around roster construction aren’t ever made by OTA performances, it does offer an early indication of how the landscape of position order, battles and other considerations may look. 

There’s a lot of warranted excitement around Shough and his new weapons. OTAs is sure to feed into the hype.