Even with a last place finish, the New Orleans Saints showed enough progress that went beyond the win-loss column. A late season turnaround, led by Tyler Shough, sparked renewed optimism at quarterback and hinted at a potential reset in New Orleans.
Bleacher Report analyst Brad Gagnon saw beyond the final record, even if he couldn't fully excuse it. Gagnon graded all 32 NFL teams on their performance and how each season unfolded. Despite finishing last in the NFC South, the New Orleans Saints earned the division's second highest grade with a C+. The grade and the divisional positioning. The record and the exceeding of expectations. Grading the Saints season is a process of evaluating contraditions.
“Honestly, 6-11 ain't bad considering the talent level. They also get credit for seemingly locking in a franchise quarterback in Tyler Shough. Still, the Saints were one of the league's worst teams despite the softest schedule in the NFC.”
Resilient finish earns Saints an above average grade for 2025 season
Entering the season, New Orleans was widely viewed as having little chance to be competitive. During the 2025 offseason, the Saints were projected to be among the leagues worst teams by analysts and major outlets. Their win total was set at just 4.5 wins, tied for the lowest in the NFL alongside the Cleveland Browns. Few expected the Saints, with their limited talent, thin depth, and new coaching staff, to exceed those low expectations.
That outlook initially held true, as the Saints opened the season 1-8 and lacked offensive consistency. A midseason quarterback change quickly altered the trajectory, providing a spark and renewed confidence on offense. The adjustment paid dividends down the stretch, as New Orleans won five of its final nine games and showed clear signs of progress despite the rough start.
The grade that they received feels fair. Their early season struggles put them in a deep hole, making it difficult to rate them higher. Still, their late season resurgence was impressive, as they the organization reason for optimism. The 2025 season ultimately became a story of resilience. They turned a disastrous start into a promising finish that set the stage for the future.