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EspañolThe New Orleans Saints enter the 2026 offseason in a position that feels strangely... optimistic? After years of "salary cap gymnastics" just to break even, a massive jump in the NFL salary cap to $301.2 million has given Mickey Loomis actual breathing room.
With young quarterback Tyler Shough coming off a promising rookie campaign, the mission is to build a young squad around him with protection and playmakers while rejuvenating a veteran-heavy defense. This new mission also involves bringing in some supporting cast that helps push the rebuild forward. Here are the top five free agents who would be a perfect fit for the Black and Gold as of the top of March 2026.
1. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG (New York Jets)
The Need: Interior Offensive Line The most glaring weakness during the 2025 season was the interior of the pocket. While the Saints found their franchise tackle in Kelvin Banks Jr. last year, the guard positions were a revolving door. Tyler Shough is a "step-up" passer; he needs a clean pocket to operate.
Vera-Tucker is the ultimate prize. He is a "buy-low" candidate only because of a 2025 triceps injury, but his talent is Pro Bowl-caliber. He offers the versatility to play multiple spots, which is music to the Saints' ears given their history of O-line injuries. If the Saints want Shough to take the "Year 2 Leap," it starts with AVT.
2. Alec Pierce, WR (Indianapolis Colts)
The Need: A Vertical Threat to Complement Chris Olave Chris Olave is a superstar, but he shouldn't have to carry the entire vertical passing game alone. In 2025, the Saints lacked a true "X" receiver who could stretch the field and win 50/50 balls.
Alec Pierce is coming off back-to-back seasons averaging over 20 yards per reception. He is a deep-ball specialist who would force safeties to play deep, opening up the intermediate routes for Olave and Juwan Johnson. In Kellen Moore’s offense, Pierce could be the modern-day version of the "speed-threat" that New Orleans has missed since the early Devery Henderson days.
3. Jaelan Phillips, Edge (Philadelphia Eagles)
The Need: Youthful Pass Rush Cameron Jordan is a legend, and his 10.5-sack resurgence in 2025 was a gift, but he’s 36. Chase Young has been a hit, but the Saints need a long-term bookend. Phillips is arguably the most talented pure pass rusher hitting the market.
He proved in Philadelphia that he is fully recovered from past injuries, and his explosive first step is exactly what the Saints' defense—now under Brandon Staley—needs to create chaos. Pairing Phillips with Bryan Bresee and Chase Young would give New Orleans one of the most terrifying young fronts in the NFC.
4. Kenneth Walker III, RB (Seattle Seahawks)
The Need: Dynamic Backfield Replacement This is the "heartbreak" move, but it might be necessary. Alvin Kamara is a Saints icon, but as he approaches age 31 with declining efficiency metrics, the team needs a new engine for the run game.
Kenneth Walker III is a true "home run" hitter. He has the elite vision and contact balance that could thrive in the Saints’ zone-blocking schemes. If New Orleans moves on from Kamara to save cap space, Walker provides a younger, more explosive alternative who can handle 20+ touches a game and take the pressure off Shough.
5. David Edwards, OG (Buffalo Bills)
The Need: Veteran Stability If the Saints can’t land a superstar like Vera-Tucker, or if they want to double-dip at guard, David Edwards is the perfect "Saints-style" signing. He is a consistent, high-floor starter who rarely makes mistakes.
The Saints' offensive line has struggled with "explosive failures"—sacks that kill drives instantly. Edwards is the stabilizing force that ensures the floor of the offensive line remains high. He’s a veteran who has played in high-stakes games and would provide much-needed leadership for a unit that will likely feature several young starters in 2026.
The Outlook
The Saints are currently about $42 million over the cap, but with the league’s new $301M ceiling and a few standard restructures (McCoy, Kamara, and Young), they can easily clear $30–$40 million in space. For the first time in a long time, the Saints aren't just trying to survive free agency—they’re in a position to win it.