Feb. 25, 2026, 11:20 a.m. CT
The New Orleans Saints will finally put their long-time salary cap woes to rest this offseason. Unlike previous years, when the franchise needed to clear anywhere between tens of millions just to reach compliance, the team is roughly $8 million away from getting under the salary cap. For the first time in quite a while, New Orleans has legitimate flexibility and can realistically position itself as an active participant in free agency.
The expectation is that the front office will first take care of its own, potentially beginning with an extension for wide receiver Chris Olave. From there, the Saints have the opportunity to add legitimate talent across the roster rather than relying strictly bargain signings.
In recent seasons, New Orleans has found moderate success with calculated, upside-driven additions, most notably defensive end Chase Young, who delivered a career year in 2025. That approach remains viable. However, with financial breathing room and a promising rookie class in place, the time may be right for the Saints to be more aggressive moving forward.
Recently, NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal shared his take on each team’s “dream” free agent target on ESPN’s The Bill Barnwell Show. Rather than advocating for a blockbuster signing, Rosenthal suggested giving quarterback Tyler Shough another offensive weapon, Isaiah Likely of the Baltimore Ravens.
While just 25 years old, Likely is coming off a somewhat down season, as injuries and inconsistent stretches of play from quarterback Lamar Jackson impacted Baltimore’s offensive rhythm. Even so, Likely has proven to be a dynamic field-stretching tight end. The former Coastal Carolina standout has benefited from developing behind one of the league’s best in Mark Andrews, forming one of the NFL’s more notable tight end duos.
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If Likely were to come at a reasonable price, he would give New Orleans a legitimate complement to Juwan Johnson, who quietly put together a top-five season at the position. Adding Likely would also allow head coach Kellen Moore to expand his usage of 12 personnel, creating more matchup stress in the passing game. Another reliable weapon over the middle could significantly aid Shough’s development within this offense.
As a counterpoint, Barnwell also floated another intriguing option, this time at the cornerback position suggesting the addition of Greg Newsome II, the former first-round pick out of Northwestern. Still just 25, Newsome possesses clear upside and athletic traits that once made him a premium draft selection. A potential change of scenery could bode well for a once highly touted player coming out.
With financial flexibility finally on their side, New Orleans is positioned well to make some notable acquisitions this offseason, ones that could help change the dynamic of the team moving forward.