Well, it's finally here: the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster. Featuring the expected returning players, it's finally time for the regular season. However, that doesn't mean that the official roster isn't without its surprises.
Despite this big question being answered, there are still some questions to be answered before Sep. 13 rolls around. Are these all the moves they've made, or is the team's business only just getting started? Since the roster is still very fresh, there is still a high chance that there's still some roster shuffling to be had.
If any additional moves were to occur, they likely would take place over the course of the next two weeks, rather than all at once like on the last Sunday of August. Again, as it stands right now, it's still entirely possible that the Saints will roll out a different 53-man squad during the season opener in Detroit.
New Orleans Saints' final 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season
Special Teams
Daniel Carlson, Kicker Ryan Wright, Punter Zach Wood, Long Snapper
Analysis: It seems that the Saints finally have an answer at kicker, following a battle that lasted the entire offseason. Multi-time All-Pro Daniel Carlson is the guy in that respect now, although Charlie Smyth is still on the practice squad. No surprises with Ryan Wright and Zach Wood, though.
Defense
Defensive Tackles
Khristian Boyd Vernon Broughton Davon Godchaux Christian Miller John Ridgeway III Nathan Shepard
Defensive ends
Carl Granderson
Anfernee Jennings Cameron Jordan Tyree Wilson Chase Young
Linebackers
Kaden Elliss Jaylan Ford
Chris Rumph III Danny Stutsman Pete Werner
Cornerbacks
Martin Emerson Jr. Kool-Aid McKinstry Jayden Price Mike Reid Quincy Riley
Safeties
Julian Blackmon Jordan Howden Justin Reid Jonas Sanker Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Analysis: The only real surprise here was the release of veteran safety Terrell Burgess. An experienced player, he was also one of the older players in the defensive backfield. With him now gone, 60% of the defensive backs are still on their rookie contracts.
Quite the youth movement. Still, the defense has its veterans to lead it. New Orleans didn't get rid of every older defensive player, after all.
Offense
Quarterbacks
Tyler Shough Spencer Rattler Zach Wilson
Running backs
Audric Estime Travis Etienne Jr. Alvin Kamara Kendre Miller
Wide receivers
Kevin Austin Jr. Barion Brown Bryce Lance Chris Olave Devaughn Vele
Tight ends
Oscar Delp Noah Fant Juwan Johnson Treyton Welch
Offensive lineman
Erik McCoy, Center David Edwards, Guard Cesar Ruiz, Guard William Sherman, Guard Jeremiah Wright, Guard Kelvin Banks Jr., Tackle Tailese Fuaga, Tackle Asim Richards, Tackle
Analysis: All the expected moves to the IR and PUP lists were made, leaving little room for surprises. However, what is interesting is the Saints keeping four tight ends, because that's something that wasn't necessarily a guarantee. Guess Treyton Welch made enough of an impression in the last little bit of the offseason/preseason.
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