Saints 2026 free agency tracker: Instant analysis on latest rumors

Updated March 4, 2026, 6:55 p.m. CT

We’re a week out from the free agency signing period and the buzz is building. Check this space often for instant analysis on the latest New Orleans Saints rumors and reports. The Saints believe they have a quarterback in Tyler Shough and a coach in Kellen Moore who can get them where they want to go. Upgrading the team’s supporting cast by getting tougher in the trenches and faster at the skills positions must be priorities. Nothing can be official until pens go to paper on Wednesday, March 11, so take these rumors with a grain of salt. But we can at least start to set some expectations.

New Orleans Saints trade rumorsMarch 2. Could the Saints have a trade partner in mind for Derek Carr? NBC Sports insider Matthew Berry shared that “From what I heard, the Saints expect him to un-retire and play in 2026. The Saints are very happy with Tyler Shough, so New Orleans expects Carr to un-retire and then they will trade him. To the New York Jets.” While that wouldn’t get Carr onto a Super Bowl contender, he has expressed admiration of Jets coach Aaron Glenn, so maybe he’s open to a move. Maybe whoever’s opinion this was missed the mark. We’ll keep an eye out for updates. Read more here.March 4. We’re reaching a bit here, but given how much happier A.J. Brown was in Kellen Moore’s offense (and more effective), it’s worth keeping an eye on the Philadelphia Eagles wideout. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports teams have made trade offers for Brown but the Eagles want a return comparable to what the New York Jets got from dealing defensive tackle Quinnen Williams: a first-round pick, a Day 2 pick, and a player. Trading Brown before June 1 would leave behind more than $43.5 million in dead money while costing his new team just over $7 million, so that explains the lopsided trade compensation. Read more here.New Orleans Saints free agency rumorsMarch 1. Linebacker Demario Davis expects to have options in free agency, and Tony Pauline reports for EssentiallySports that his former team is eyeing the respected veteran: “Sources also say that the Jets are targeting linebacker Demario Davis, whom the team drafted in the third round of the 2012 draft. The 14-year veteran played for the Jets on two separate occasions and has spent the last eight years with the New Orleans Saints. Though he’s 37 years old, Davis registered a career-best 143 tackles last season.” Even if he’s the oldest player at his position, a wayward team like the Jets could use his leadership. Read more here.March 2. Another rumor Berry picked up at the NFL Combine? “Among the places I heard for Travis Etienne to land include New Orleans and Kansas City.” Etienne, the Jacksonville Jaguars running back, is expected too be one of the top available rushers behind Seattle Seahawks free agent Kenneth Walker III. The three-time 1,000-yard rusher would add a lot of credibility to a Saints run game that lacked it in 2025. Three of their top four running backs are returning from season-ending injuries (Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, and Devin Neal). Read more here.March 2. Here’s something on Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor from Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer, who put Taylor and Seahawks free agent Tariq Woolen “at the top of that market.” If they’re both seen as headlining free agents at cornerback they could each command $18 million or more per year, just like the New York Giants paid Paulson Adebo last offseason. The Saints primarily lined Taylor up in the slot but maybe other teams see him as a starter outside. Breer suggested the Dallas Cowboys as a potential suitor. Read more here.March 4. Here’s another note on Alontae Taylor. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero listed Taylor as one of ten free agents who could sign “surprisingly big contracts” next week, writing that Taylor’s next deal “could top $17 million a year.” His inside-out versatility and ball skills appeal to a lot of teams. It sure seems like Taylor will be moving on after breaking up 52 passes during his four-year Saints career. Read more here.March 4. He’s a former Saints player, so we’ll count him anyway. ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared that Rashid Shaheed is expected to test free agency on Monday after the Seattle Seahawks failed to reach a deal with him on a contract extension. Shaheed scored three return touchdowns and played a key role in getting Seattle its Super Bowl win, so they can’t complain. But don’t look for him to return to New Orleans. Read more here.Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

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