As the NFL calendar turns to March 2026, the New Orleans Saints find themselves at a crossroads of continuity and evolution. Entering his second year at the helm, Head Coach Kellen Moore has established a clear vision for the franchise following a transformative 2025 campaign. With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror and free agency looming, the New Orleans Saints offseason checklist has come into sharp focus: revitalize the ground attack, solidify the interior offensive line, and resolve the complex situation surrounding veteran Derek Carr.
Supporting the New Era Under Tyler Shough
The primary objective for the Saints this spring is clear: providing franchise quarterback Tyler Shough with the infrastructure necessary to take the next step. Since taking over the starting role, Shough has shown flashes of the high-ceiling talent the front office envisioned, but the 2025 season highlighted the need for more consistent support from the supporting cast. Moore’s offensive philosophy hinges on a balanced attack, making the run game the top priority on the New Orleans Saints offseason checklist.
While Alvin Kamara continues to be a versatile weapon and a locker room leader, the Saints are actively looking for a dynamic partner to share the backfield workload. The name generating the most buzz in New Orleans circles is Notre Dame standout Jeremiyah Love. As a projected high-round pick, Love represents the explosive, three-down potential that could alleviate the physical burden on Kamara and give Shough a reliable safety valve in the play-action game. Moore emphasized that a more physical, consistent run game is non-negotiable for the offense to reach its full potential in 2026.
Fortifying the Interior: The Search for a Starting Guard
To facilitate a better run game and keep Shough clean in the pocket, the Saints have identified the guard position as a critical area for improvement. The interior of the offensive line saw significant rotation last season, leading to inconsistent rushing lanes and occasional pressure up the middle. Moore and the scouting department are reportedly scouring both the veteran market and the draft for a plug-and-play starter at guard.
The ideal candidate is a high-IQ blocker capable of handling the complex pulling schemes Moore utilized during his time as an offensive coordinator. By securing the interior, the Saints hope to create a more stable environment for their young quarterback. A fortified line not only helps the run game but ensures that Shough has the time to utilize his arm talent downfield, a staple of the Moore-led offense that the team wants to see more of this coming season.
The Derek Carr Situation: Veteran Asset or Trade Piece?
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline of the New Orleans Saints offseason is the status of Derek Carr. After a period of medical retirement following a significant shoulder injury, Carr is reportedly mulling a comeback. However, the landscape in New Orleans has changed significantly since his departure from the active roster. With Shough firmly entrenched as the starter, Carr’s role is now viewed through the lens of a veteran asset rather than a primary option.
The Saints face a delicate balancing act regarding Carr's future. Coach Moore and the front office must decide whether Carr’s value lies in being a high-level veteran mentor and backup to Shough, or if his return to health makes him a valuable trade chip to acquire more draft capital. Carr's experience is undeniable, but with the team committed to their youth movement under center, managing his potential return is a high-stakes item on the offseason checklist that requires both financial and locker-room diplomacy.
Looking Ahead to Free Agency and the Draft
As the Saints move toward the start of the new league year, the directives from Kellen Moore are unmistakable. The team is no longer in a state of total rebuilding, but rather in a phase of targeted refinement. By addressing the guard position and adding a talent like Jeremiyah Love to the backfield, New Orleans aims to build a roster that can compete for the NFC South crown immediately.
The coming weeks will determine how these pieces fall into place. Whether through aggressive moves in free agency or a calculated approach in the draft, the Saints are determined to build a sustainable winner around Tyler Shough. With Moore’s system now entering its second year of implementation, the 2026 season represents a massive opportunity for the Saints to return to the postseason elite.
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