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For several years, the narrative around the New Orleans Saints' roster focused on the team's veteran players and aggressive cap management. Simply put, they were all in — the team was dealing with a tricky financial situation. However, with the emergence of a potential long-term answer at quarterback in Tyler Shough and a shift toward retooling with younger, cost-effective talent, the national perception is beginning to change.
In a recent ranking of every NFL team's young core, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox ranked the Saints top-10, placing them at No. 9 overall. Much of the front office's roster shifting has focused on adding high-end talent under 27. While the Saints' 2025 season started poorly, the team's late-season surge laid the foundation for a bright future in New Orleans.
The catalyst for this top-10 ranking was, undoubtedly, the emergence of Shough late in his rookie season. He provided a much-needed spark to the offense, offering the franchise a legitimate sense of hope under center.
"We got a good glimpse of just how bright the New Orleans Saints' future can be in 2025," Knox wrote. "Though it began the season just 1-8, New Orleans won four of its final five games and looked like arguably the best team in the NFC South during that stretch."
While Shough played a major role in the revival, he isn’t the only “budding standout,” as Knox noted. The roster is held together by several premier playmakers under 27, including wide receiver Chris Olave, offensive tackles Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr., and free-agent addition Travis Etienne Jr. Even veteran pass rusher Chase Young, who signed with the Saints two years ago, still fits into this youthful window at just 27 years old.
It’s becoming clear that the rebuilding phase in New Orleans is evolving rapidly. The team is now focused on reclaiming the NFC South, with the final pieces of the puzzle potentially already in the building.
"If the Saints hit on rookies like receiver Jordyn Tyson and defensive lineman Christen Miller, they should become perennial contenders within their division," Knox added.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Bleacher Report ranks Saints' young core top-10 in the NFL
Continue reading...
In a recent ranking of every NFL team's young core, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox ranked the Saints top-10, placing them at No. 9 overall. Much of the front office's roster shifting has focused on adding high-end talent under 27. While the Saints' 2025 season started poorly, the team's late-season surge laid the foundation for a bright future in New Orleans.
The catalyst for this top-10 ranking was, undoubtedly, the emergence of Shough late in his rookie season. He provided a much-needed spark to the offense, offering the franchise a legitimate sense of hope under center.
"We got a good glimpse of just how bright the New Orleans Saints' future can be in 2025," Knox wrote. "Though it began the season just 1-8, New Orleans won four of its final five games and looked like arguably the best team in the NFC South during that stretch."
While Shough played a major role in the revival, he isn’t the only “budding standout,” as Knox noted. The roster is held together by several premier playmakers under 27, including wide receiver Chris Olave, offensive tackles Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr., and free-agent addition Travis Etienne Jr. Even veteran pass rusher Chase Young, who signed with the Saints two years ago, still fits into this youthful window at just 27 years old.
It’s becoming clear that the rebuilding phase in New Orleans is evolving rapidly. The team is now focused on reclaiming the NFC South, with the final pieces of the puzzle potentially already in the building.
"If the Saints hit on rookies like receiver Jordyn Tyson and defensive lineman Christen Miller, they should become perennial contenders within their division," Knox added.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Bleacher Report ranks Saints' young core top-10 in the NFL
Continue reading...
