News Saints Team Notes

PFF reveals Saints rookie snap counts and grades

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As the 2025 season winds down, it’s time to start player evaluations and PFF has already broken down all the rookie’s production from 32 teams by total snaps played to date using PFF Grades and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). Their rankings have been complied among those players who have played at least 100 snaps this season. So, let’s take a look at how the New Orleans Saints rookie class fared this season.

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  • Kelvin Banks Jr. played the most snaps, with 1066.
  • Kelvin Banks Jr. led the team’s rookie class in PFF grade at 76.4.
  • Tyler Shough led the team’s rookie class in WAR at 1.132.
  • Tyler Shough ranked 1st among rookie quarterbacks in PFF grade at 74.6.
  • Danny Stutsman ranked 3rd among rookie linebackers in PFF grade at 71.5.

Banks and Shough’s productivity have been noticed leaguewide as both just were named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. Shough was also named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Month for December/January 2025 and is nominated for NFL Rookie of the Year, which fans can vote on at Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year | NFL.com from now until January 30th.

You can check out PFF’s grades for all 32 team’s rookies at Rookie grades and snaps for all 32 teams

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...als-saints-2025-rookie-snap-counts-and-grades
 
Saints season ticket prices to remain the same for 2026 season

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On Wednesday, the New Orleans Saints notified their season ticket holders that they will not see an increase on ticket prices for the 2026-27 season from the previous season’s pricing.

Saints’ season tickets have been sold out every season since 2006, which was their first year back in the dome after Hurricane Katrina. That season the team also sign Sean Payton and Drew Brees, who led them to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history.

The Saints are currently scheduled to play 9 regular season home games barring an announcement from the NFL of the team playing an international game. They will take on the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers in Caesars Superdome next season.

They will hit the road to face the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and New York Giants.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ices-to-remain-the-same-price-for-2026-season
 
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Kiper predicts Saints add offensive weapon

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ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has released his first official mock draft ahead of April’s 2026 NFL Draft. In the article, Kiper Jr. made his predictions for all 32 first-round picks, including the New Orleans Saints selecting Arizona State University wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at eighth-overall.

The pass catching prospect is listed as 6’2”, 200 lbs., and would immediately provide New Orleans with some much needed size within the offense. Tyson finished his Junior year at ASU with 711 yards on 61 receptions while securing eight touchdowns.

Kiper Jr. had this to say when explaining why the Saints would make this pick in his prediction: “After rumors swirled about Chris Olave being on the trade market ahead of the deadline this season, it looks as if New Orleans is hanging onto its star wideout. However, Olave is under contract for only one more year, and even if the Saints extend him, they still need more pass-catching options for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Consider that Rashid Shaheed was the only other Saints wide receiver with over 300 receiving yards this season, and he was dealt at the deadline. Tyson could immediately be a red zone target for Shough thanks to his strength and ability on contested catches”.

Tyson was predicted as the second WR off the board in this mock draft behind the New York Giants’ pick of Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. Two players who have been consistently linked to New Orleans, Rueben Bain Jr. and Jeremiah Love, were selected at picks seven and nine, respectively.

What do you think of Mel Kiper’s first-round mock selection for the Saints? Do you agree with the pick or think New Orleans should look elsewhere? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ft-kiper-predicts-saints-add-offensive-weapon
 
Should the Saints bring back Luke Fortner?

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The interior of the New Orleans Saints’ offensive line was a weakness all season, but even after Erik McCoy went down with a season-ending torn bicep in Week 7, the center position was stabilized by pending free agent Luke Fortner.

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New Orleans acquired Fortner in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for DT Khalen Saunders prior to the start of the 2025 season—a move that paid off as injuries depleted the offensive line. While replacing McCoy’s impact is nearly impossible, the 27-year-old former third-round pick filled in seamlessly and established himself as a reliable depth option.

In 12 games and 10 starts, Fortner allowed just three sacks and 11 pressures on 442 pass-blocking snaps while committing only three penalties. He earned a 72.5 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in his first season with the black and gold.

Fortner becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and with McCoy struggling to stay healthy over the past two seasons, maintaining reliable depth at center should be a priority for New Orleans.

Are you on board with the Saints bringing back Luke Fortner?

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...887/should-the-saints-bring-back-luke-fortner
 
NFL Playoff Picks 2026: Conference Championships

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NFL Conference Championship Sunday has been long regarded as the most exciting weekend in sports and that should continue with these two fantastic matchups with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line in both games. As the road to the Super Bowl comes near its end, let’s take a look at the matchups ahead.

The NFL’s final four take the stage to determine who moves on to Super Bowl LX. The AFC title matchup features the two of the NFL’s best defenses, while the NFC title matchup features two of the NFL’s most exciting offenses and dominant defenses. These games should be quite entertaining!

Last week, I went 3-1

I told you so: Rams over Bears!

What do I know: 49ers over Seahawks?

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

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#2 New England Patriots at #1 Denver Broncos


Sunday, January 25th – 2:00pm CST – CBS

From 2012-2019, the New England Patriots played in eight-consecutive AFC Championship Games, an unprecedented run that many believed couldn’t be duplicated, until the Kansas City Chiefs reached seven-consecutive AFC Championship Games, from 2019-2025. Kansas City saw their run come to an abrupt end a year short of New England’s mark, just in time for the Patriots to make their way back to their familiar spot atop the AFC mountain top.

Bo Nix’s successful second season came to a sudden crashing end in overtime in the Divisional round against Buffalo, and in the young quarterback’s place comes journeyman veteran quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, who has only started four-career hames in his seven-year career, with a 1-3 record in stints with Las Vegas and Denver, lat making a start in the 2023 regular season. Now, in the biggest game of his life, Stidham faces the team that drafted him back in 2019, to potentially follow Tom Brady, no pressure.

Denver gets a lot of credit for their defense, but New England’s defense has been the most dominant in the AFC field this year, and the Pats defense will have Jarred Stidham wishing he was holding a clipboard and gathering some Juicy Fruit gum for Sean Payton. Potential NFL MVP Drake Maye will lead his team to victory by avoiding mistakes in what is clearly the biggest game of his life as well. The Chiefs may be gone for now, but the Patriots are going back in the Super Bowl again. At least Tom Brady won’t be there.

Pick: Patriots

Final Score: 24-16

***

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#5 Los Angeles Rams at #1 Seattle Seahawks


Sunday, January 25th – 5:30pm CST – FOX

This is not just another NFC Championship game. This is not just a showdown of division rivals, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. This is a rematch of the Game of the Year this past regular season. A game that put this title match in Seattle instead of Los Angeles. The last time these bitter NFC West rivals faced each other, the Rams opened a huge lead, but the Seahawks proved a lot to the league as well as themselves by coming all the way back and ultimately defeating the Rams, albeit controversially, in overtime.

Sam Darnold has done a lot to prove his doubters wrong down the stretch to end the season, as well as his team’s performance in the Divisional round. To no one’s surprise, Matthew Stafford has risen to the occasion for the Rams in these playoffs, and the potential NFL MVP will need to be at his absolute best against the NFC’s top-rated defense. Seattle’s dominant defense reminded people who they are last week against San Francisco, but the Rams are a much different beast than the Niners.

Seattle has proven themselves to be the NFC’s best, but the Rams are the very last team they wanted to face. They beat the last time around, sure, but the Rams match up better with the Seahawks than any team in the league, and this will be another exciting, nail-biting showdown that may ultimately eclipse every game in these playoffs, including the Super Bowl itself. It takes overtime once again, but this time the Rams hit a 50-yard field goal to send Los Angeles to the Super Bowl.

Pick: Rams

Final Score: 29-26

***

Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen, your potential conference champions. Even without the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs, we definitely have some coaches, players and story lines to root for and against this weekend. Leave us your picks, insight, and comments below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/105860/nfl-playoff-picks-2026-conference-championships
 
Julian Blackmon’s contract with the Saints revealed

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Earlier this week, the New Orleans Saints signed S Julian Blackmon to a contract extension. This may not have been an expected move, but it was well-received by most when the deal was revealed. Bringing back Blackmon made too much sense given how he played before his injury and where the Saints’ SAF room currently is. Justin Reid and Jonas Sanker will be the starters, but Blackmon provides great depth.

Although the extension was announced, it was unclear what the money would look. Today, those numbers were revealed, and per Katherine Terrell, the Saints signed Blackmon to a league minimum 1-year, $1.25 million contract with a signing bonus and guaranteed money.

Julian Blackmon signed a new one-year deal with the Saints recently.

Base: $1.25 million (league minimum)
Cap: $1.515 million
Signing Bonus: $300,000
Guaranteed Money: $1 million ($700K of base is guaranteed)

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) January 23, 2026

After the deal was announced, a contract like this was expected, but getting Blackmon for league minimum is excellent. Removing injuries from the conversation, Blackmon is a starting safety in this league, not at the league minimum. Adding the injuries back in makes sense of why he did not get more. It’s too much of a risk to give him more because you don’t know how many games he is going to play.

Still, this was a great move to start next season.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...n-blackmons-contract-with-the-saints-revealed
 
Canal Street Chronicles: AFC and NFC Championship Bold Predictions

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We’re now down to the final four teams for this weekend’s AFC and NFC Championship Games with the Broncos and Patriots (AFC) and Seahawks and Rams (NFC) playing for the opportunity to represent their conferences in two weeks in Super Bowl LX in San Francisco.

So, let’s jump right in and take a look at some of the Canal Street Chronicles staff’s predictions for Championship Weekend.

NIC:

  • Rashid Shaheed has another special teams touchdown
  • Puka Nacua records 10+ catches and over 100 receiving yards
  • The Patriots win by 20+ points

HAYDEN:

  • Stidham throws 3 INTs and the Patriots win easily
  • Rams and Seahawks combine for 80+ points
  • Rams win after a missed Seahawks field goal

CALEB:

  • Jarret Stidham leads the broncos to a win
  • The Rams fall short to their division rival Seahawks
  • Kenneth Walker runs for 200 yards

JASON:

  • Stidham shocks the world leading the Broncos to the Super Bowl over thr Patriots
  • Rams defense gets after Sam Darnold and has four sacks
  • Seahawks earn come from behind victory to advance from NFCCG

KYLE:

  • Broncos win with both teams failing to reach 20 points
  • Rashid Shaheed is the X factor in Seahawks vs. Rams
  • All four quarterbacks throw an interception

What do you think about the CSC staff’s predictions? What are your bold predictions Championship Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...les-afc-and-nfc-championship-bold-predictions
 
Fleur-de-Links, January 23: Two potential offseason moves for the Saints

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Should the Saints bring back Luke Fortner?


The Saints already made a great move last year to trade for Fortner, so why not make another one?

Christian McCaffrey follows Drew Brees’ footsteps in NFL awards season


McCaffrey is up for three different awards this offseason.

Saints Can’t Afford to Lose 5-Time All-Pro


A no-brainer decision.

A new OC for Baker: The #Bucs are set to hire former #Falcons OC Zac Robinson as their new coordinator, sources say. With a big push from Baker Mayfield. pic.twitter.com/JeMFQCgXko

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 22, 2026

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-two-potential-offseason-moves-for-the-saints
 
The former Saints in contention to win Super Bowl 60

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We’re in the midst of an exciting and compelling NFL playoffs, with entertaining games, highlight plays and nail-biting finishes across both conferences. On Sunday, four teams play for a ticket to Super Bowl LX on February 8th. Here’s a look at the two highest-profile names involved in the conference championship games with immensely strong links to the New Orleans Saints.

Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton​

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The most successful and longest tenured coach in Saints history is two games away from becoming the first ever NFL head coach to deliver a Super Bowl to two different NFL franchises. But his task got a lot tougher in the aftermath of their divisional triumph over the Bills, with the news that quarterback Bo Nix’s season was over after he suffered an ankle injury late in the contest.

Payton has since insisted on his belief in backup Jarrett Stidham, who is now presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. But the Broncos are nonetheless home underdogs against the Patriots. Should the head coach find a way to get Denver to the Super Bowl, nevermind should they win it, few could dispute the value of his coaching ability toward achieving such an outcome.

Payton’s roster also carries a number of former Saints, including kicker Wil Lutz, whose playoff pedigree may be called upon in a big moment this weekend.

Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver Rashid Shaheed​

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Rashid Shaheed’s 95-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff of Seattle’s dominant win over San Francisco in the divisional round no doubt brought mixed emotions to many among the Who Dat Nation, as reminiscence over his days in the black and gold became mixed with excitement for the young receiver as he excels in new colors.

The Seahawks, like Payton and the Broncos, are the one-seed in their respective conference. They’ll host the Los Angeles Rams, coming off their thrilling overtime victory over the Bears a week ago.

Shaheed’s touchdown kick-started an authoritative display from Seattle, who will be hoping for a repeat performance against LA. What’s more, calling the plays for the Seahawks is former Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

There’s every chance that Super Bowl 60 will contain at least one prominent figure closely linked with the Saints. What are you looking out for this weekend? Are you happy to see the players and coaches who are thriving with their new teams? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...mer-saints-in-contention-to-win-super-bowl-60
 
Seahawks vs. Rams: NFC Championship Open Thread

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#5 Los Angeles Rams at #1 Seattle Seahawks


The Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams in today’s NFC Championship Game. This is Seattle’s first NFC Championship Game appearance since the 2014 season. This is the Rams’ first NFC Championship Game appearance since the 2021 season. This game has all the makings of a classic title match! Here’s to an exciting NFC Championship Game!

Join the conversation!​


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Location – Lumen Field – Seattle, Washington

Kickoff – 3:30pm PST / 5:30pm CST / 6:30pm EST

Network – FOX – Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady

Online Streaming: foxsports.com

Odds – Seahawks -2.5, O/U 46.5


Enjoy the NFC title game along with us!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/106032/seahawks-vs-rams-nfc-championship-open-thread
 
2025 Saints player review: QB Tyler Shough

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When the 2025 NFL season started, there was a real chance this would never be made. An extremely close QB battle between Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough lasted most of the preseason, and with it being so close, the Saints went with Rattler. At the time, the decision made sense, but it did not quell Saints fans’ criticism over “wasting” the 40th overall pick on a 25-year-old rookie QB who may not even get on the field.

As we know now, that’s not what happened.

Scrutiny transforms into praise​


Once Shough was brought in to take over from Rattler, who was on a string of disappointing performances, things started to change. Shough brought a different playstyle to the offense that was needed, and finally, even with some coaching woes at the time from HC Kellen Moore, Shough was able to push the ball down the field. Flash forward two weeks after Shough was brought in for Rattler, the rookie had his breakout performance.

Against the Carolina Panthers, Shough finished 282 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, one being a beautiful pass to WR Chris Olave. Most importantly, looking past the stats, the rookie looked comfortable, calm, and confident.

After this game, Shough never looked back. The Saints lost in Weeks 12 and 13 (Week 11 was the bye week) to the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins, but those games came down to either coaching or special teams. Shough still played well in those losses, but after that, the Saints went on their 5-game win streak.

The coaching was better, the defense was improving every snap, and Shough started to put the offense on his back. Injuries were plaguing the Saints’ offense, but unlike last season, when that was an excuse for losing, Shough kept rising over every obstacle. The 2025/26 season ended with a loss, which is never how a team wants to enter the offseason. Still, the Saints have all the momentum in the world to build upon, and that can be attributed to Shough’s great rookie year.

Tyler Shough’s final statline as starting QB​

  • 9 games as the starter
  • 2,256 passing yards
  • 10 passing touchdowns
  • 5 interceptions
  • 186 rushing yards
  • 3 rushing touchdowns
  • 3 fumbles

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...936/2025-saints-player-review-qb-tyler-shough
 
Saints QB Tyler Shough named Grand Marshal of the Krewe of Pygmalion

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is having the rookie ride of his life literally, as he has been named the Grand Marshal for the Krewe of Pygmalion parade.

The Uptown parade, who is celebrating their 25th year, will roll on Saturday, February 7th beginning at 6:15 p.m. on Magazine Street, and ten wrap up at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center with “Pygmalion Fest” featuring by global superstar DJ and producer Marshmello. This year’s theme, “The Princess and the Pyg,” reimagines the magic of Mardi Gras through a modern fairytale lens, where timeless tradition meets royal revelry and every guest steps into a story of grandeur, glamour, and celebration.

Shough joins former Saints QB Drew Brees, who served as Mardi Gras royalty in 2007 as the Grand Marshal of Bacchus. Brees was also the King of Bacchus in 2010.

This is just another honor for the Saints 2025 2nd round draft pick who finished the season passing for 2,384 yards and 11 touchdowns through 9 starts. As a result of his incredible on-the-field performance, Shough was selected to the PFWA All-Rookie team and is a finalist for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and the fan-voted NFL Rookie of the Year.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ugh-named-grand-marshal-of-krewe-of-pygmalion
 
Will the Saints be chosen for Hard Knocks this year?

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Every offseason, one thing scares every team in the league. No, it’s not losing your best player to injury or an important player not wanting to return in free agency; it’s Hard Knocks. This year, 16 teams are eligible for the show, and the New Orleans Saints are among them.

The sixteen teams that are eligible for Hard Knocks in August 2026 pic.twitter.com/25yIFkCimT

— NFL Nerd (@NerdingonNFL) January 26, 2026

Teams dread this outcome because it’s a distraction. No franchise or staff wants their “personal space” (AKA anything that happens behind closed doors) exposed to other teams. Look at what happened to the New York Giants in the 2024 offseason. This was the offseason that RB Saquon Barkley left, and that entire process was recorded. Also, GM Joe Schoen was heavily scrutinized after the episodes were released. Running that risk is scary for teams.

Looking at the list, the Kansas City Chiefs are the ones that make the most sense for the NFL to capitalize on, so the Saints may escape Hard Knocks once again.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...he-saints-be-chosen-for-hard-knocks-this-year
 
Saints present $484K in proceeds from 50/50 Raffle to 2025 beneficiaries

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On Friday, January 23, 2026, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson presented several Louisiana charitable organizations with their portion of the team’s 50/50 raffle sales that were held during their 2025 home games.

This season’s 50/50 Raffle generated a total of $972,575 in support of community initiatives, which included a $25,000 contribution from Rouses Markets to Feeding Louisiana and $484,000 to help fund several nonprofit organizations across the state.

The Saints 50/50 Raffle has helped to provide financial support to charitable organizations throughout the region for over a decade. Each home game puts a spotlight a different beneficiary, with a portion of raffle proceeds given directly to the organization to help fund their cause.

This year’s beneficiaries included: Preseason Week 2 – LHSAA, Preseason Week 3 – Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR), Week 1 – Feeding Louisiana Chapters sponsored by Rouses Markets, Week 2 – NAMI Louisiana Chapters, Week 5 – Ochsner Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center, Week 6: Louisiana Children’s Museum, Week 8 – NextOp, Week 12 – Saints My Cause My Cleats, Week 15 – Goodwill of Southeastern Louisiana and Week 16 – The Arc of Louisiana

Saints owner Mrs. Gayle Benson said, “Our fans once again showed remarkable generosity throughout this year’s 50/50 Raffle, and we are sincerely thankful for everyone who took part. The organizations we support are doing meaningful, transformative work across our state, and it is an honor to partner with them. These contributions will uplift families and strengthen communities throughout Louisiana, which is at the heart of everything we strive to do.

The 2025 50/50 raffle had an average regular‑season jackpot of $105,231.25 and surpassed one million numbers sold with 9 winners from Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi and Texas.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ceeds-from-50-50-raffle-to-2025-beneficiaries
 
One-year out: Did the Saints overpay for Juwan Johnson?

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New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson wrapped up his first season under a 3-year, $30.75 million contract. The sixth-year tight end finished the season as the Saints’ second-leading receiver with 77 receptions for 889 yards and 3 touchdowns.

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Head coach Kellen Moore was eager to bring Johnson back for 2025, holding a meeting with the tight end that went on for hours, with Moore selling Johnson his vision for him in the offense. New Orleans’ decision to bring Johnson back on a hefty contract was quite a surprise. While the former undrafted free agent has been serviceable for the Saints since entering the league, a lack of consistency and a failure to breakout made his significant contract turn heads. However, Johnson’s contract made him the 13th highest-paid tight end in the league, and he exceeded his contract and finished as TE3.

Johnson’s breakout season didn’t come without its flaws. Despite a 75.49 catch percentage, which is the second-best among the top-10 tight ends in receiving yards, Johnson had a problem with drops. From turning his head too early before making the reception to simple drops, mistakes plagued the wide receiver-turned-tight end throughout the season. Johnson also fumbled twice in 2025.

Johnson often made up for his mistakes. It felt as if when he made a mistake, Johnson would respond with an impressive reception or big play.

WHAT A CATCH BY JUWAN JOHNSON pic.twitter.com/7qvv9OQ1TP

— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) January 4, 2026

Despite a solid first three weeks of the season, Johnson’s best play came when rookie quarterback Tyler Shough took over at quarterback. Shough relied on his former college teammate as a safety net and looked for him whenever a play broke down. Johnson averaged 57.8 yards per game with Shough under center compared to just 46 yards per game with Spencer Rattler at quarterback.

Johnson looks to be a crucial part of Shough’s development down the line, and he performed more than his contract asked of him. With a full offseason to work with Kellen Moore and Shough, Juwan Johnson could be heading towards a better season in 2026, and with improvements on his mistakes from the season, the Saints could have gotten a steal on Johnson’s annual $10 million contract.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-out-did-the-saints-overpay-for-juwan-johnson
 
Will Taysom Hill return to the Saints?

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It was arguably the most emotional press conference of Taysom Hill’s nine-year Saints tenure when he took to the podium following the final home game of the season in December.

The 35-year-old Swiss army knife, who has had one of the more unique and fascinating careers in the history of the NFL, showed all the signs of a player who’d just played his final game in New Orleans.

But Hill did note on that day that he was still uncertain what the future would hold. And as of today, the former undrafted quarterback out of BYU is yet to make an official decision on what’s next; whether it’s retirement, a contract extension with the black and gold, or even a new team is still unknown.

Taysom Hill addresses the media post game pic.twitter.com/kdZBNDpVWi

— Tina Howell (@TinaM_Howell) December 21, 2025

Hill, the only player in the Super Bowl era with 1,000 passing, receiving, and rushing yards, played 13 times for the Saints in 2025. He posted a season-high 116 total yards with a passing touchdown in the aforementioned game against the Jets.

While Hill’s level of involvement in the offense isn’t what it once was, he’s as respected a figure as any inside the Saints locker room. And he’s yet to officially rule out a return to the team.

Would you resign Taysom Hill? Do you think he’ll decide to hang them up this summer or even go elsewhere in the NFL? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/nfl-free-agency/106071/will-taysom-hill-return-to-the-saints
 
Saints QB Tyler Shough draws high praise from Panthers legend

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When the New Orleans Saints selected Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick, the doubters were loud. Many viewed the move as a reach with prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe still on the board. But the 26-year-old rookie never let the noise get to him.

Once he was given the reins as the starter, Shough quickly flipped the narrative and put the football world on notice, emerging as one of the league’s most exciting young signal callers. Now an AP Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist, Shough continues to turn heads—most recently earning high praise from former Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, who led the franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance during the 2003 NFL season.

Delhomme joined Arizona Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard for an exclusive interview with CasinoBeats, and here’s what he had to say about Shough’s rookie campaign.

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After watching Shough play live twice, Delhomme said he was “very impressed” with the rookie and called the selection a “brilliant move” by head coach Kellen Moore and the Saints front office. He added that Shough “probably could have started” from the jump, but understood why Moore and the staff chose to let him develop with the scout team to open the season.

Delhomme said the Saints handled Shough’s rookie season perfectly:

He played the preseason, and then let him sit and watch. Let him digest the season and how things go. Preseason is one thing. The regular season is very different. Preseason, you’re installing a playbook. So each day you’re building, building, building. Then once the season starts, it’s game-plan week. It’s game-plan specific. What is Kellen Moore like during the course of the season? And I think for a young kid to truly understand, this is not college, where you have some penciled-in wins along the way. That just doesn’t exist in the NFL. And so I thought they were brilliant in the way they handled him. They let him sit.

When asked what he saw from Shough against the Panthers and down the stretch of the season, this is what Delhomme had to say:

I thought the kid played well. He played well in Charlotte against us. We had him for a couple of sacks. He broke through those sacks and stepped up in the pocket, made big plays to Juwan Johnson. And then to Chris Olave. They got a win. And you saw them give him more and more as the season went on. Very big. Big kid, strong kid, strong arm. Ball comes out of his hand... Give them credit. I liked what I saw from them, and I think everyone in New Orleans is pretty excited. It’s funny, he’s going into year two, and he’s two years older than Bryce Young, who’s going into year four.”

Lastly, Delhomme credits some of Shough’s early maturity not only to his age and experience, but also to his college head coach, Jeff Brohm, a former NFL quarterback. Delhomme believes Shough’s development is far from finished and thinks the Who Dat Nation has every reason to be excited about the future:

So big, strong, mature kid, coached very well in college. Especially his last year, playing for Jeff Brohm at Louisville. I love Jeff. Jeff’s maybe a little older than me, played in the NFL, but they develop quarterbacks. Footwork-wise. And so there’s a pretty good understanding when those kids get to the league playing for him. So, yeah, I think the ceiling’s pretty darn high for Shough. And I know people in New Orleans are pretty excited about it.”

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...shough-draws-high-praise-from-panthers-legend
 
Georgia Tech OG Keylan Rutledge meets with the Saints at Senior Bowl

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The Senior Bowl is here, and as many of you know, the New Orleans Saints love the prospects from this event. Just last year, the Saints selected 5 out of their 9 rookies from the Senior Bowl. I would expect this to continue, and it seems the team has set their sights on one offensive line prospect.

According to NOF’s Adam Guttuso, the Saints have met with Georgia Tech OG Kelyan Rutledge at the Senior Bowl, and the player said it was a good meeting.

Rutledge says he had a good meeting with the #Saints and would love to stay in the south. https://t.co/iBOru4gRvk

— Adam Guttuso (@adam_guttuso) January 28, 2026

Throughout the draft season, the Saints will have meetings with many prospects, but in this case, there’s a good chance we look back on this one after draft season. Rutledge is a very powerful interior offensive lineman who has a nasty streak. He is

If the Saints do select Rutledge, he would be a potential starter at RG right away.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...rutledge-meets-with-the-saints-at-senior-bowl
 
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