- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,238,180
- Reaction score
- 59
Training camp carries significant weight for players on the roster bubble. While the New Orleans Saints have several established starters, a handful of players will enter the summer competing for roster spots, prominent roles, or even their futures with the organization.
So where do things stand? Tyler Shough is locked in as the starting quarterback of the Saints. Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara have teamed up and will be a formidable duo. Things appear to be on the rise in New Orleans, but these five players have the most to gain — or lose — over the next several weeks.
New Orleans traded a fifth-round pick in exchange for Wilson during the 2026 NFL Draft. Selected No. 7 overall in 2023 by the Las Vegas Raiders, Wilson recorded 12 sacks across three seasons and didn't fit with the direction of the franchise.
With Cameron Jordan entering his final season, Wilson has an opportunity to establish himself as part of the Saints' future. He must first earn snaps in a crowded defensive end rotation featuring Jordan, Chase Young, and Carl Granderson.
Miller enters a contract year still recovering from the torn ACL that ended another injury-plagued season. The former third-round pick is now buried in a backfield featuring Etienne, Kamara, Devin Neal, Audric Estime, Ty Chandler, and CJ Donaldson. Once cleared, Miller must stay available and remind the coaching staff of why the franchise drafted him. If he doesn't, there's a chance that he's looking for a new home before Week 1.
The Saints acquired Polk last September while he recovered from a season-ending shoulder surgery. The former second-round pick caught only 12 passes during his rookie season, and New Orleans has since invested heavily at receiver. Having had an impressive spring during workouts and OTAs, Polk must separate himself from Bub Means, Mason Tipton, and other wideouts for one of the final spots behind the team's projected top receivers.
Emerson signed a one-year deal with the Saints after missing the entire 2025 season with a torn Achilles. Quincy Riley currently has the inside track to start opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry, but a healthy Emerson could make that competition even more interesting. A strong camp could prove to the team and to the rest of the league that he has regained his mobility and talent and can position himself to rebuild his value.
Rattler enters camp as the favorite to back up Shough, but the Saints created a legitimate competition by signing Zach Wilson. Rattler's previous starting opportunities produced uneven results, and he's no longer being evaluated as the potential quarterback of the future. A strong camp would secure the No. 2 job, and maybe even an opportunity in another city with a fill-in role. Losing the competition could leave his immediate future in New Orleans uncertain.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 5 Saints players who need a great training camp in 2026
Continue reading...
So where do things stand? Tyler Shough is locked in as the starting quarterback of the Saints. Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara have teamed up and will be a formidable duo. Things appear to be on the rise in New Orleans, but these five players have the most to gain — or lose — over the next several weeks.
Tyree Wilson, EDGE
You must be registered for see images
New Orleans traded a fifth-round pick in exchange for Wilson during the 2026 NFL Draft. Selected No. 7 overall in 2023 by the Las Vegas Raiders, Wilson recorded 12 sacks across three seasons and didn't fit with the direction of the franchise.
With Cameron Jordan entering his final season, Wilson has an opportunity to establish himself as part of the Saints' future. He must first earn snaps in a crowded defensive end rotation featuring Jordan, Chase Young, and Carl Granderson.
Kendre Miller, RB
You must be registered for see images
Miller enters a contract year still recovering from the torn ACL that ended another injury-plagued season. The former third-round pick is now buried in a backfield featuring Etienne, Kamara, Devin Neal, Audric Estime, Ty Chandler, and CJ Donaldson. Once cleared, Miller must stay available and remind the coaching staff of why the franchise drafted him. If he doesn't, there's a chance that he's looking for a new home before Week 1.
Ja'Lynn Polk, WR
You must be registered for see images
The Saints acquired Polk last September while he recovered from a season-ending shoulder surgery. The former second-round pick caught only 12 passes during his rookie season, and New Orleans has since invested heavily at receiver. Having had an impressive spring during workouts and OTAs, Polk must separate himself from Bub Means, Mason Tipton, and other wideouts for one of the final spots behind the team's projected top receivers.
Martin Emerson Jr., CB
You must be registered for see images attach
Emerson signed a one-year deal with the Saints after missing the entire 2025 season with a torn Achilles. Quincy Riley currently has the inside track to start opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry, but a healthy Emerson could make that competition even more interesting. A strong camp could prove to the team and to the rest of the league that he has regained his mobility and talent and can position himself to rebuild his value.
Spencer Rattler, QB
You must be registered for see images attach
Rattler enters camp as the favorite to back up Shough, but the Saints created a legitimate competition by signing Zach Wilson. Rattler's previous starting opportunities produced uneven results, and he's no longer being evaluated as the potential quarterback of the future. A strong camp would secure the No. 2 job, and maybe even an opportunity in another city with a fill-in role. Losing the competition could leave his immediate future in New Orleans uncertain.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 5 Saints players who need a great training camp in 2026
Continue reading...
