The New Orleans Saints sure saw green the moment they got clear of the salary cap. One of the biggest spenders in the league, they spent a total of $137.46 million during the two-day legal tampering period. The aggressiveness sends a major statement on how Kellen Moore feels about Tyler Shough.
The money will go through all six of their expected signees: David Edwards, Travis Etienne, Kaden Elliss, John Ridgeway III, Ryan Wright, and Noah Fant. In particular, they spent a majority of the money on the offensive side of the ball during the 52-hour window, with Edwards' expected four-year, $61 million deal being their biggest deal made.
That much investment really shows how much the Saints must care about their young quarterback. Just missing out on rookie of the year in 2025, the numerous team records Shough broke must've given Mickey Loomis the confidence to go out and spend.
With all their investments, the Saints clearly believe in Tyler Shough
All of the singings show in their own way just how the Saints believe in their young quarterback. WIth Edwards, who was one of, if not the, top interior offensive linemen on the market, it shows that their top priority this offseason was to protect Tyler Shough going into 2026. First protecting Matthew Stafford, then Josh Allen, he'll now be tasked with protecting Tyler Shough. A Super Bowl champion to put the cherry on top, he's sure to protect Shough like his life depends on it.
Noah Fant also shows that the Saints know that they can't let Juwan Johnson carry the tight end room again next year. While Johnson did have a career year as the one-man band, it's much more sustainable for an offense if they can have two players with that capability, and Fant certainly has those qualities.
Then there's Etienne, who might be the most important agreement the Saints made. The $13 million per year for the next four years the Saints are paying him makes it's clear they think that he can excel in it. Expected to work alongside Alvin Kamara, he might get more carries than some expect next season if the recent speculation around his possible retirement actually amounts to anything.