Will Saints Add Veteran O-Line Help? | Why Vegas Thinks Saints Could Contend in 2026
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Matt Moscona breaks down why the New Orleans Saints are suddenly being viewed as a legitimate contender in the NFC South just one year after winning only five and six games in back-to-back seasons. With the NFL season officially in the rearview mirror, early 2026 division odds from Las Vegas reveal a surprising amount of optimism surrounding the Saints — and much of it stems from the late-season surge led by Tyler Shough and a drastically improved outlook for the franchise.
Moscona dives into how Shough’s emergence reshaped the perception of the Saints, why oddsmakers now see New Orleans as a potential playoff team, and what major offseason decisions could determine whether that optimism becomes reality. From looming contract questions involving aging veterans to the importance of building around Shough, the Saints’ offseason roadmap is under the microscope.
The discussion also centers on a potential free-agent splash along the offensive line, including ESPN’s prediction that New Orleans could target former Bills guard David Edwards. With improved cap flexibility, a healthy Eric McCoy, young bookend tackles, and the opportunity to add weapons in the draft, the Saints may finally be positioned to make a real push back to the top of the NFC South.
Photo Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
11 comments
How about Adding Edwards in free agency and drafting a right guard.
Cesar Ruiz is not the answer at guard for the Saints. He is the weak link of the offensive line.
Vets? Let’s go young, please. Vegas is in the betting business and the Saints are in the NFL, duh?
Build through the draft!!!!! NO FA's
A lot of good stuff to build up to offense, but concerns about the defense will be quickly coming up. Undefeated father time will eventually catch up to Cam, don't know what's going to happen with Taylor, and we've all seen the reports about Davis hitting free agency. In addition to Edwards, probably need to find a FA or two to shore up the Defense.
I'd like to see us take Love at 8 and possibly another guard in round 3 or 4 as competition for Ruiz who we need to move on from. Defensive line in round 2 would be a good idea. I'm also warming to the idea of Lemon at 8 possibly. He looks like a high production player who will be fantastic underneath.
If he can walk and talk what are the odds he is better than Radunz and Ruiz. I think 100% is a good bet
Louisiana based business believing the Saints are going to when the division?! Crazy.
#Whodat⚜️
Caesar Salad >>> Ruiz
McCoy * when healthy
Our IOL is trash. Get a guy in FA, get two in the draft- one high, one low
McCoy can’t be trusted to stay on the field. We need to sure up the interior line.
Windows open and close quickly and unexpectedly in the nfl so the saints might put it all together next season but I’m not placing that expectation on them . We need at least two interior offensive lineman, a dt, a rb, a wr and maybe a lb. It could happen but it’s probably not all going to get fully addressed between FA, the draft and UDFAs. On top of all that some of those guys will need to be starters. Though I hope and won’t be surprised if they make a deep run next season, it’s more likely we’re looking at 2027 before they make a big jump into top contenders if it is to happen at all.
Free Agency should be used first and foremost on signing the best veteran O Guard available. Then use the draft to get RB, DL, WR. BB – the draft this year is deep at some of these positions…