March 20, 2026, 3:56 p.m. CT

With the bulk of free agency now in the rearview mirror, most teams have turned their full attention toward April’s 2026 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints, in particular, have positioned themselves well, making key additions along the offensive line, in the backfield, and within the front seven.

Improving the running game was clearly a priority this offseason after finishing in the bottom third of the league across most major rushing categories. With those reinforcements in place, the focus now shifts toward rounding out the roster through the draft. Adding a dynamic playmaker on the perimeter and some explosiveness off the edge on defense will likely headline their priorities.

All things considered, this is a much more youthful and talented roster than the one that entered free agency. There’s still work to be done, but the foundation has been set going forward. Because of this, the Saints find themselves trending upward, with a legitimate opportunity to climb even higher depending on how they capitalize on their draft capital.

Let’s see where these major media outlets have this team ranked post-free agency:

CBS: 23rd (-1)

“They added running back Travis Etienne and guard David Edwards to help second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. They have to find out if he’s their long-term guy.”

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

“The Saints are another team undergoing a changing of the guard, spurred by the departures of two longtime defensive leaders in Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan. While New Orleans addressed some needs with additions like Kaden Elliss, it’s unclear how the absence of Davis and Jordan will affect a defense that excelled in the second half of the 2025 season (first in EPA per play allowed from Week 10 onward).”

“Did the Saints get better? Possibly. But the contracts given to running back Travis Etienne (four-years, $52-million) and guard David Edwards (four-years, $61-million) are questionable. There’s hope for Tyler Shough in his first full season as the starting quarterback, but New Orleans’ roster isn’t nearly as strong as the best teams in the NFC.”

NFL.com: 23rd (No change)

“The Saints haven’t gone hog wild in free agency, which isn’t shocking for a rebuilding squad light on cap space, but they’ve added a few pieces on offense to bolster their young QB. Running back Travis Etienne was the headline name, but I think it was just as important to beef up the offensive line with guard David Edwards. The defense took a few hits, but nothing terribly concerning. I think the biggest remaining need might be at wide receiver. If we get to the eighth overall pick in the draft and the Saints have their choice of Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon, I think they should take one of them. Chris Olave is the one remaining target on the roster that can be called “reliable,” but even he carries some significant injury risk. The Saints are still trending positively, especially after their late-season surge in 2025, but I’m not quite ready to call them contenders.”

“They couldn’t afford any big swings, but they made a couple of moderate ones with guard David Edwards and running back Travis Etienne, who could emerge as a big upgrade over the declining Alvin Kamara.”