Jan. 29, 2026, 10:54 a.m. CT
Super Bowl LX is less than two weeks away, also marking the fifth straight year that the New Orleans Saints were not a playoff participant. The four participants in the conference title games each had terrific defenses in common. New Orleans actually had a defense that could rival that of the teams in the final four, giving the Saints a reason for optimism heading into this offseason.
New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley oversaw a huge improvement from the Saints defense this year. The New Orleans ranked 30th in total defense, 31st against the run, and 27th against the pass in 2025. Under Staley, the Saints rose to 9th in total defense, 4th against the pass, 19th against the run, and 3rd in third down percentage. Several players stepped up to make this happen, both newcomers and returning contributors. Here is the overall good, bad, and ugly from the 2025 New Orleans defense.
The Good: The Old Guys
Cameron Jordan, age 36 and in his 15th season, and Demario Davis, age 37 and in his 14th year, each had marvelous seasons. Davis had a team-high 143 tackles, the most of his career and his ninth straight year of over 100 stops. His elite instincts and anticipation make up for the little he’s lost in athleticism. Davis continues to be one of the NFL’s best but most underrated all-around defenders, as he remains the key to the Saints defensive success.
Jordan turned in a year of 22 pressures, 2 forced fumbles, with 15 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks both leading the team. It was his finest season since 2021, turning in his seventh year with double-digit sacks. On a defense full of young players, the unit’s two oldest veterans showed that they had plenty of top-quality football left.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.The Good: Chase Young
Young had the best season of his six-year career by far, finally consistently showing the abilities that made him the second overall choice in the 2020 NFL draft. After missing the first five games, he went on an incredible tear over the last 12 contests. In those games, Young had 10 sacks with 30 pressures and 15 QB hits with 11 tackles for loss. He also batted down 4 passes, forced 2 fumbles, and recovered 3 fumbles with one returned for a touchdown. At only 26, Young is the cornerstone of Brandon Staley’s unit. He and Jordan combined to make the edge rusher spot a strength rather than the predicted weakness that was forecast at seasons start.
The Good: Secondary
New Orleans had one of the best defenses against the pass in the NFL, allowing an average of just 179 passing yards per game and 63.6% completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks. Pressure from the front seven helped, but the New Orleans defensive backs were arguably the best and most consistent unit on the entire team. It was a unit that was filled with first and second year players who came of age and developed quickly.
Second-year Kool-Aid McKinstry and rookie Quincy Riley rapidly formed a strong duo at cornerback. McKinstry intercepted 3 passes and broke up 17 others, both best on the team. Riley contributed an interception and 10 pass breakups. Together, they gave up a combined 59% completion percentage when targeted and were almost always just a small fraction away from making the play even when giving up a catch. Versatile Alontae Taylor continued to be a playmaker for the defense, contributing 2 interceptions, 11 passes broken up, 2 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss.
At safety, rookie Jonas Sanker stepped in nicely after veteran addition Julian Blackmon was lost for the season in Week 1. Another veteran newcomer, Justin Reid, got off to a slow start but came on down the stretch. Reid, only 28, was the oldest of a group that jelled rapidly and clamped down on nearly all the receivers they faced. The future seems bright with this unit.
The Bad: Interior Defensive Line
The Saints were certainly improved against the run, allowing 120 yards per game on the ground and 4 yards per carry this year after 141 rushing yards and 4.9 per run in 2024. They were better in the middle, coming up with several big short yardage stops and generating decent pressure on opposing quarterbacks at times. Defensive end Bryan Bresee had a strong year and was a good fit for Staley’s 3-man down lineman scheme and is another young building block. Nathan Shepherd had a quietly effective season, while the defense got some good reps from the entire rotation.
New Orleans still lacked a big-bodied run stopper in the middle. A preseason trade for Davon Godchaux provided another rotation piece, but not the answer. Neither was John Ridgeway or Khristian Boyd. There weren’t many weaknesses on this defense, but this was one that was glaring at times. The Saints would be wise to address this spot during the offseason.
The Ugly: Potential Departures
Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Alontae Taylor could all be lost this offseason in free agency. Jordan and Davis have expressed a strong desire to remain in New Orleans, but have also indicated that they’d be unwilling to take a pay cut to stay and could test the open market. If the Saints allow Taylor to hit the open market, he could attract big money in a weak free agent class at cornerback. Losing any of the three would open up a big need at their respective positions.
Additionally, Ridgeway, Chris Rumph, Jonah Williams, and Jonathan Bullard are all free agents among the front seven. All are rotational players and replaceable, but the Saints must make sure they fill their production if they leave to maintain quality depth.