The New Orleans Saints are entering a new era on defense as they search for new leaders to replace two longtime franchise cornerstones. After years of stability and veteran leadership, the departures of Demario Davis and potentially Cameron Jordan mark a signigcant shift for the organization heading into the 2026 season.
It's hard to imagine a Saints defense without Davis and Jordan, who were captains and pillars of the team throughout several regime changes. Davis signed with the New York Jets after eight seasons in New Orleans and Jordan remains unsigned after 15 years as a Saints pass rusher. However, the door remains open for Jordan to potentially return, according to Loomis.
Replacing the leadership, production and experience Davis and Jordan brought to the defense will not be easy, but it also creates an opportunity for a new generation of Saints defenders to step into larger roles. As New Orleans looks torward the future, finding the next faces of the defense will be one of the team's biggest priorities entering 2026.
Chase Young positioned to lead New Orleans Saints defense into new era
All signs point to defensive end Chase Young emerging as the new face of the New Orleans Saints defense heading into the 2026 season. Coming off a career year in which he recorded 10 sacks in just 12 games, Young has established himself as the unit's premier playmaker and one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the league when healthy.
Entering his sixth NFL season, Young combines elite talent with valuable veteran experience, giving New Orleans a proven cornerstone to build around as the defense transitions into a new era.
Without Cameron Jordan lining up opposite him, opposing offenses will likely place even more focus on slowing down Young in 2026. Extra attention and double teams could make it tougher to match last season's production, making it important for other Saints pass rushers to step up and help take pressure off him throughout the year.
With longtime leaders no longer anchoring the defense, the spotlight now shifts to Young to lead both on and off the field. If he can continue producing at a high level and stay healthy, the Saints may have already found the player capable of carrying the defense into its next chapter.
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