2026 has been a big opportunity for the New Orleans Saints, as they have finally found some cap space to work with, allowing them to bring in some crucial free agents. This has applied heavily to the offense so far, and the defense has been somewhat quiet, with Demario Davis and Alontae Taylor on their way out.
One of the biggest changes of the entire offseason, though, happened on special teams, with the Saints finally bringing in a veteran punter who has proven experience at the NFL level, rather than just repeatedly supplementing it with undrafted free agents. This is a huge positive for New Orleans, as two of its four special teams positions have undergone a change since 2025.
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Here is how things currently stack up with their special teams starters, based on how the roster is constructed pre-draft.
Kicker: Charlie Smyth
Dec 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints place kicker Charlie Smyth (39) reacts after kicking the game winning field goal for a 20-17 win over the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Punter: Ryan Wright
Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright (17) punts the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Kick and Punt Returner: Ty Chandler
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 16: Ty Chandler #32 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Longsnapper: Zach Wood
Nov 3, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers line up against New Orleans Saints long snapper Zach Wood (49) during a punt in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Who will the Saints start on special teams after free agency?