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Heading into the 2026 offseason, the New Orleans Saints showed a decisive focus on filling their team needs. In free agency, the Saints addressed major areas when they signed running back Travis Etienne and guard David Edwards. They also bolstered the tight end spot by adding Noah Fant and moved swiftly to replace the loss of Demario Davis by bringing back Kaden Elliss at linebacker.
Through the draft, the Saints selected wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and defensive tackle Christen Miller with their first two choices. They went on to strengthen themselves at tight end and offensive line by drafting Oscar Delp and Jeremiah Wright. The Saints continued to revamp their receiver room with draft picks Bryce Lance and Barion Brown, focusing on special teams through the remainder of the draft.
It's nearly impossible for a team to accurately fill all needs through the draft and free agency, but the Saints came lose. Over the weekend, Ethan Woodie of NFLTradeRumors.com outlined their site's assessment of the biggest remaining need for each NFL squad. Woodie highlighted the cornerback position for the Saints.
After the loss of Alontae Taylor in free agency, many expected the Saints to use a high draft choice on a corner. They didn't, instead waiting and selecting TJ Hall in the seventh round. However, signing Martin Emerson after the draft could end up being a steal. Emerson missed all of last season after suffering an Achilles injury in training camp. Prior to that, the 2022 third round pick had played over 70% of the defensive snaps with the Cleveland Browns over his first three seasons, has given up only a 53% completion rate when targeted over his career, has broken up 34 passes, and recorded 4 interceptions in 2023. If healthy, Emerson is a high-quality starter.
Quincy Riley was far better than 'okay' as a rookie fourth round choice in 2025. There was a very noticeable difference in the pass defense once he replaced an ineffective Isaac Yiadom about a quarter into last year. While a little inconsistent, Riley broke up 10 passes with an interception and allowed less than 60% completion percentage in man coverage. Additionally, safety Julian Blackmon is also capable of providing solid slot coverage after missing the majority of last season. Taylor is a loss to the secondary, but there are potential options in place as a replacement.
While there are certainly questions at cornerback, a strong case can be made that the Saints have a bigger need at edge rusher. Chase Young is coming off the best production of his career. He's a huge part of the defense heading into 2026. However, there are concerns opposite him. Franchise legend Cam Jordan remains unsigned after putting up good numbers in his 15th season. While there's a possibility the team brings him back, he'll also turn 37 this summer and is no longer an every down player. Carl Granderson has flashed disruptive skills throughout his seven-year career, but has never been able to be consistent as a starter.
During the draft, the Saints traded for edge rusher Tyree Wilson from the Raiders. Wilson was the seventh overall pick in the 2023 draft, but has never come close to living up to that draft status. Anfernee Jennings was also added after the draft, joining the re-signed Chris Rumph II and undrafted rookie Michael Heldman in the edge competition. Jennings and Rumph are solid rotation pieces and good against the run, but have never added much as pass rushers.
Granderson, Wilson, Jennings, Rumph, and Heldman all come with concerns and major questions. This makes re-signing Jordan as the most logical solution, albeit a short-term answer. Are the questions at edge rusher more concerning than at cornerback? This is one of the most debated topics and biggest areas on the roster to watch as the Saints head towards training camp.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints team needs: Is cornerback or edge rusher a bigger priority?
Continue reading...
Through the draft, the Saints selected wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and defensive tackle Christen Miller with their first two choices. They went on to strengthen themselves at tight end and offensive line by drafting Oscar Delp and Jeremiah Wright. The Saints continued to revamp their receiver room with draft picks Bryce Lance and Barion Brown, focusing on special teams through the remainder of the draft.
It's nearly impossible for a team to accurately fill all needs through the draft and free agency, but the Saints came lose. Over the weekend, Ethan Woodie of NFLTradeRumors.com outlined their site's assessment of the biggest remaining need for each NFL squad. Woodie highlighted the cornerback position for the Saints.
After the loss of Alontae Taylor in free agency, many expected the Saints to use a high draft choice on a corner. They didn't, instead waiting and selecting TJ Hall in the seventh round. However, signing Martin Emerson after the draft could end up being a steal. Emerson missed all of last season after suffering an Achilles injury in training camp. Prior to that, the 2022 third round pick had played over 70% of the defensive snaps with the Cleveland Browns over his first three seasons, has given up only a 53% completion rate when targeted over his career, has broken up 34 passes, and recorded 4 interceptions in 2023. If healthy, Emerson is a high-quality starter.
Quincy Riley was far better than 'okay' as a rookie fourth round choice in 2025. There was a very noticeable difference in the pass defense once he replaced an ineffective Isaac Yiadom about a quarter into last year. While a little inconsistent, Riley broke up 10 passes with an interception and allowed less than 60% completion percentage in man coverage. Additionally, safety Julian Blackmon is also capable of providing solid slot coverage after missing the majority of last season. Taylor is a loss to the secondary, but there are potential options in place as a replacement.
While there are certainly questions at cornerback, a strong case can be made that the Saints have a bigger need at edge rusher. Chase Young is coming off the best production of his career. He's a huge part of the defense heading into 2026. However, there are concerns opposite him. Franchise legend Cam Jordan remains unsigned after putting up good numbers in his 15th season. While there's a possibility the team brings him back, he'll also turn 37 this summer and is no longer an every down player. Carl Granderson has flashed disruptive skills throughout his seven-year career, but has never been able to be consistent as a starter.
During the draft, the Saints traded for edge rusher Tyree Wilson from the Raiders. Wilson was the seventh overall pick in the 2023 draft, but has never come close to living up to that draft status. Anfernee Jennings was also added after the draft, joining the re-signed Chris Rumph II and undrafted rookie Michael Heldman in the edge competition. Jennings and Rumph are solid rotation pieces and good against the run, but have never added much as pass rushers.
Granderson, Wilson, Jennings, Rumph, and Heldman all come with concerns and major questions. This makes re-signing Jordan as the most logical solution, albeit a short-term answer. Are the questions at edge rusher more concerning than at cornerback? This is one of the most debated topics and biggest areas on the roster to watch as the Saints head towards training camp.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints team needs: Is cornerback or edge rusher a bigger priority?
Continue reading...
