Feb. 6, 2026, 4:08 p.m. CT
Which New Orleans Saints player would you say was the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2025? And what does that mean to you? Does it reflect the guys who didn’t miss a snap, or those who threw the most touchdown passes or made the most sacks (even if they missed a big part of the year before getting in the lineup)? It isn’t an easy question to answer, and our staff writers weren’t able to disagree on a single candidate.
Instead, they came up with three convincing options. With the annual NFL Honors awards show behind us and all of the leaguewide accolades already handed out, it’s time to shift gears and recap the Saints’ 2025 season one last time with our own team-specific awards. Who would you pick for the Saints’ MVP?
Chase Young
After missing the first five games with injury, Chase Young quickly solidified himself as the Saints best defensive player and most valuable player. In the last 12 games, Young had 10 sacks, 15 QB hits, 30 pressures, 11 tackles for loss, and 3 tipped passes. He also forced 2 fumbles while recovering 3 others, returning one for a touchdown. Young, just 26, had the best numbers of his career and was a defensive force. — Bob Rose
Tyler Shough
An easy selection for me. When we talk about “most valuable,” it’s the player who directly impacts wins, and no one fit that definition better than Shough. After a 1-8 start, he helped lead the team to five wins in his nine starts and completely changed the trajectory of the season. — Luke Loffredo
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
The Saints have been looking for their next franchise quarterback since Drew Brees retired, and the search has been absolutely no dice. While time will tell if he can stay consistent, Shough has shown a lot of promise and has given New Orleans plenty of reason for optimism between the impact he’s made through the air and on the ground. — Crissy Froyd
Demario Davis
There are certainly many options for this one, and one could certainly argue Tyler Shough turned this team around which made him most valuable. With that said, a full season of high-level production behind a defensive line that struggled against the run makes Demario Davis my pick. His ability to hold things together when they looked bleak is impressive, and he will no doubt go down as one of the best Saints ever if he leaves this spring. — Jeremy Trottier
