Breakout candidates to watch for the New Orleans Saints in 2026

[ASFN Admin]

Another year brings another opportunity for players on the New Orleans Saints roster to outperform expectations in 2026. There are a handful of names that immediately come to mind when thinking about potential breakout candidates this season. Some showed plenty of flashes a year ago and will be held to a much higher standard this time around, while other low-key additions possess plenty of "boom" potential and could make a major impact.

With a fresh opportunity and several key roles still up for grabs, the stage is set for a number of players to take the next step in their development. If the Saints hope to exceed expectations this season, they'll need a few of these guys outperform their previous seasons.

Here are the Saints players with the best chance to break out during the 2026 season.

S Jonas Sanker​

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Expectations are sky-high for Sanker entering his second season after an outstanding rookie campaign. With the Saints moving him into a new role in the slot, his versatility and continued development will be pivotal to the overall success and ceiling of this defense in 2026.

WR Ja'Lynn Polk​

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Polk has been mentioned by Tyler Shough throughout the offseason as one of the players, he's most excited to play alongside. After the Saints acquired him via trade by investing draft capital, Polk enters training camp as a player to watch and someone who could emerge as a key contributor this summer.

CB Quincy Riley​

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Quincy Riley's development is one of the most underrated storylines for the Saints heading into the 2026 season. After putting together a solid rookie campaign, Riley has all the tools to make a significant second-year leap. If he does, he could provide the answer to one of the biggest questions surrounding the Saints' secondary.

CB Martin Emerson Jr.​

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Emerson Jr. is one of the most intriguing players on the Saints' roster. The former third-round pick made an immediate impact early in his career with Cleveland, and his upside is undeniable. He should provide strong competition for Quincy Riley and has a legitimate chance to earn the No. 2 cornerback spot on the outside.

LB Danny Stutsman​

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Though the Saints replaced Demario Davis with Kaden Elliss this offseason, Danny Stutsman remains a strong breakout candidate for 2026. After showing flashes of his potential last season, Stutsman enters training camp with a chance to push Pete Werner for a starting role and could carve out a significant place in the Saints' defense.

DT Vernon Broughton​

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Broughton never had the opportunity to get his rookie season off the ground after an injury cut it short, but the Saints' coaching staff remains very high on both the player and his potential along the defensive line. Expect to hear Broughton's name mentioned frequently throughout the summer as he looks to make up for lost time and carve out a meaningful role.

S Julian Blackmon​

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Another player whose season was cut short far too early, Blackmon seamlessly transitioned into the Saints' defense last summer and quickly earned a starting role alongside Justin Reid. His impressive performances throughout training camp, the preseason, and even the season opener gave fans plenty to be excited about, showcasing the potential he brings to the Saints' secondary moving forward.


This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Breakout candidates to watch for the New Orleans Saints in 2026

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