Erik McCoy’s offseason mission has been clear: "get [healthy] and stay healthy. Every New Orleans Saints fan is hoping the latter is the case. Injuries have been the biggest talking point around McCoy for the last couple of years and with good reason. He's played just 7 games in each of the last two seasons.
McCoy told Armstead, “I feel like I’m getting back to how I was in my youth before the injuries started stacking.” If they get that version of McCoy for 17 games, it’s a game changer. If they don't, there may some changes made.
2026 is a bit of a make or break season for the center. After two years with a combined 14 games played, McCoy will need to at least match that total in 2026. One more injury riddled season will force the Saints' hand into finding a new starting center.
A healthy Erik McCoy would set the Saints offensive line of the future
While nothing is for certain, it looks like the Saints have every piece of the offensive line they’d like to move into the future with already on the team. The only real question is if McCoy can stay healthy enough to be a part of the future.
There’s no question of McCoy’s talent when he’s on the field. It’s just about staying on the field. Unfortunately, the Saints don’t have the player behind McCoy, if he can’t stay on the field. The lack of contingency is what makes it a bit different from right guard.
The Saints drafted Jeremiah Wright in the fourth round this year, and it certainly feels like he’ll be the starting right guard by 2027, if not at some point this season. They are dissatisfied with Cesar Ruiz’s performance. Wright has heir apparent written all over. The success will have to be determined, but it does appear he is the future choice at the position.
You look at the rest of the line, and it’s pretty solidified. The Saints just signed David Edwards to a multi-year contract this offseason, solving their massive left guard void. They drafted Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr. in consecutive first rounds. Those picks have been successful so far.
The only thing left is McCoy. If he has another injury riddled season, the Saints will be searching for a starting center in the offseason. It’ll take a couple of years to get the stigma off him, even with a healthy 2026 campaign, but getting through this season clean will at least buy him a spot on next year’s roster.
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