NFL analyst Kevin Patra released an article detailing the teams most likely to go from worst to first in their divisions on Monday, June 29. At the top of his list stood the New Orleans Saints as the team poised to make the leap. The Saints’ current momentum, offseason additions, and division make this not only possible, but probable.
“The NFC South is a jumbled hodgepodge, with all four squads finishing last season below .500. Each has significant room to grow and lingering questions,” Patra wrote. “Given how the Saints developed in Kellen Moore’s first season and made improvements this offseason -- with New Orleans finally getting out of salary-cap hell -- there is a runway to the top of the division.”
As Patra noted, the Saints drastically improved towards the end of the season. Fueled by Tyler Shough, they won four of the final five games and built valuable momentum heading into 2026. Now, they seek to capitalize on it and make a run to win the division.
The Saints’ offseason prepared them to compete in the NFC South.
What were the Saints’ biggest questions in 2025? Most would say the lack of offensive playmakers, the defensive inconsistency, and the offensive line. Kellen Moore clearly had a similar mindset and deliberately addressed these problems this offseason, whether through the draft, free agency, or trades.
As a result, the Saints have a more well-rounded roster that’s poised to compete this year. Shough has an arsenal of weapons, including Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, and Travis Etienne. Additionally, the offensive line was bolstered by signing David Edwards and drafting Jeremiah Wright. They didn’t have any flashy moves on defense, but they added talent through the draft and brought in some key free agents.
It’s irrational to assume the Saints will instantly be Super Bowl contenders after these moves. However, they are clearly in a position to compete for the division, especially in a weaker NFC South. They arguably have the top roster and a young head coach/quarterback pairing that makes them a threat. So, don’t be shocked to hear the Saints’ name in contention for the guaranteed playoff spot come January.
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