Saints confront roster overhaul and leadership voids ahead of 2026 OTAs
With Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Taysom Hill gone, the franchise looks to Tyler Shough and new signings to stabilise the offence and defence.
The New Orleans Saints are entering the 2026 Organized Team Activities with a roster that bears little resemblance to the squad that concluded the previous season. The departure of long-serving veterans Cameron Jordan, Taysom Hill, and Demario Davis has left significant voids in both the locker room and on the field, prompting a period of intense structural adjustment for the franchise.
General manager Mickey Loomis has indicated that the team is navigating complex resource management issues, particularly regarding the contract status of running back Alvin Kamara. Kamara, who is in the final year of his two-year extension, is due $11.5 million in cash this season. Loomis noted that while the team reworked Kamara’s contract in March for salary cap purposes, no pay cut was agreed upon, and discussions regarding his future fit will continue through the offseason program.
Kamara has publicly welcomed the addition of new signing Travis Etienne Jr., suggesting the duo could replicate the successful partnership he once shared with Mark Ingram. Despite this camaraderie, Kamara’s recent performance saw career lows across most statistical categories, including only 11 games played and 471 rushing yards. His absence from the initial OTAs, a standard practice until mandatory minicamp, means clarity on his roster status may not arrive until June.
On the field, second-year quarterback Tyler Shough is poised to assume the role of full-time starter following his nine-game start in 2025. Shough has engaged in extensive self-evaluation and film review, working with coaches to refine his footwork and pocket presence. Kamara has emphasised the increased expectations for Shough, urging the quarterback to maintain a rigorous work ethic while handling the pressure of leading the offence.
Defensively, the Saints are restructuring their leadership and pass-rush capabilities. Chase Young is positioned as the primary edge rusher after recording 10 sacks in 12 games last season, while new linebacker Kaden Elliss is expected to assume the Mike linebacker role and provide vocal leadership. Loomis confirmed that talks with Jordan regarding a potential return have been positive, though no agreement has been reached, leaving the defence to rely on a new core of players to fill the void left by its former captains.
