The 2025 season is in the rearview mirror, and the New Orleans Saints' brain trust is fully immersed in constructing the 2026 roster. The initial phase of this build is unfolding at the Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, where the Saints have a significant coaching presence.
Five Saints assistants, including running backs coach Joel Thomas, are serving on the American team staff. This hands-on opportunity is invaluable, providing the coaching staff with direct interaction, practice evaluation, and interview access to many of the top senior prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Saints have a strong historical track record of selecting players who participated in the Senior Bowl, making this week a cornerstone of their scouting process.
This evaluation is particularly crucial as the Saints hold the 8th overall selection in April's draft, scheduled for Pittsburgh. Early indications point to the team targeting offensive firepower—namely a wide receiver or offensive tackle—to support young quarterback Tyler Shough, though a premium defensive player could also be in play if the board falls a certain way.
Early Offseason Moves The Saints have already made their first tangible move of the 2026 league year, signing safety Julian Blackmon to a one-year contract extension on January 20. Blackmon, a key starter in the secondary during the 2025 season, was set to become a free agent. Securing him on what is believed to be another cost-effective deal provides immediate stability at the safety position and checks an important box early in the offseason.
The roster work is just beginning. The Saints have eight players—including linebacker Nephi Sewell and cornerback **Beanie Bishop Jr.**—signed to reserve/future contracts, securing depth for training camp. The larger challenges loom with pending free agents like linebacker Demario Davis and defensive end Cameron Jordan, whose contracts are voiding. The decisions on these franchise pillars, along with the pursuit of a Chris Olave extension, will define Mickey Loomis's offseason.
For now, the focus is on discovery. The work in Mobile at the Senior Bowl is the first step in a months-long process to identify the new talent that will help the New Orleans Saints return to contention in the 2026 season.