Coming off a strong end to the season, the New Orleans Saints have already begun an active NFL offseason in preparation for the 2026 season. While the team has already made some moves, the key decisions are still ahead, and with the Saints announcing a new 10-year lease with the state of Louisiana, fans are excited to see how the roster shapes up before the 2026 season.
So far, the Saints have signed eight players to reserve/future contracts. These deals are mostly with young or practice squad players, and they give the team extra depth as it builds toward next season, a normal part of NFL offseason roster building.
One of the biggest individual moves was re-signing safety Julian Blackmon to a new one-year deal. Blackmon had played well before missing time with an injury, and the cheap contract gives the Saints experienced help in the defensive backfield.
While free-agency work continues, the Saints also have positive news from last season’s rookies. Quarterback Tyler Shough and offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. were both named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team. This is a big honor for young players, and even with an up and down season, the Saints’ rookie class seems poised for a leap in the upcoming season.
A key name for the Saints this offseason is Chris Olave, their star wide receiver. The team has shown interest in extending his contract to keep him in New Orleans long term. He had a career-high season in 2025, and keeping him should be a big priority.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL draft, the Saints have the No. 8 pick in the first round — a chance to add a top young player to the roster. Some have speculated that New Orleans might draft a second star wide receiver or other offensive help, depending on how the free-agency period goes. Using the draft to build around young talent like Shough and Banks is a logical way for the Saints to grow.
With a high draft pick and several important decisions ahead, the Saints have a chance to take a step forward next season. As free agency and the draft approach, fans will be watching closely to see if these moves can help bring the team back into playoff contention.