Feb. 8, 2026, 4:55 a.m. CT

Erik McCoy of the New Orleans Saints has been one of the most effective centers in the NFL since he entered the league in 2018. McCoy actually proved his value to the Saints in 2024 by not being in the lineup, missing 10 games and most of two others with injury. The Saints won four of the five games he played the majority of the snaps. They went 1-11 in games he barely played or didn’t suit up at all, performing awful on offense in the process.

After groin and elbow injuries derailed McCoy in 2024, he was counted on to return and anchor the New Orleans line this season. Once again, however, injuries once again afflicted the offensive line. This included their star center.

Erik McCoy Year in ReviewPosition: CenterAge: 28Height: 6-feet, 4 inchesWeight: 303 poundsNFL experience: 7 years (with Saints)2025 season: 7 games (7 starts)

McCoy started the season in the middle, a welcomed addition back. He was looked to as an anchor for an offensive line that had issues inside but promising tackles in second-year Taliese Fuaga on the right side and rookie Kelvin Banks Jr on the left. As the veteran center, McCoy was expected to also be a steady influence for young quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough.

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Despite McCoy’s presence, the Saints still struggled mightily at both guard spots. McCoy himself wasn’t as formidable as in years past either. Still, he played all but three offensive snaps over the first six games. Even with poor play at guard, McCoy, Banks, and Fuaga were expected to be a strong trio as the offense came together.

In Week 7, McCoy left during the third quarter of a loss to the Chicago Bears. As it turned out, McCoy had suffered a torn biceps that would end his season. For the second straight year, Erik McCoy would play in only seven games for the Saints. McCoy played 449 offensive snaps before the injury, more than 2024 but the second fewest of his seven-year New Orleans career.

As the Saints head into the 2026 offseason, there should be legitimate concerns about McCoy’s ability to stay healthy and continue playing at a high level. New Orleans will definitely add one starting guard and could look to bring in more interior help. If McCoy can come back strong and stay in the lineup, it would be a tremendous boost for the offensive line and entire unit.