The narrative surrounding an NFL franchise can often be shaped by wins and losses, splashy free agent signings, and dramatic playoff runs. But the true heartbeat of an organization--the day-to-day engine that drives performance and morale--is often found far from the spotlight of game day. It's in the meeting rooms, the training facilities, and yes, even the cafeteria. For the New Orleans Saints, a comprehensive new report suggests that the internal machinery is not only humming but has undergone significant and positive transformation.
According to a report by Adam Holt of A to Z Sports, the NFL Players Association's 2026 team report card has been revealed, painting a picture of a Saints organization on the rise. The Saints ranked 11th overall in the league-wide survey, a notable leap that signifies broad approval from the most important critics: the players themselves. Two grades, in particular, jump off the page and tell a compelling story of change: an A-minus for first-year head coach Kellen Moore and an identical A-minus for the team's nutrition program, an area that was once a glaring weakness.
This annual report card, compiled by the NFLPA from anonymous player surveys, is more than just a popularity contest. It serves as a vital diagnostic tool, assessing everything from the weight room and training staff to travel accommodations and treatment of players' families. The grades carry weight because they come directly from the locker room, offering an unfiltered look at the working conditions that directly impact player health, performance, and retention. For the Saints to land in the top third of the league represents a meaningful shift in organizational culture and player satisfaction.
The most resonant grade is undoubtedly the one bestowed upon Kellen Moore. Earning an A-minus from a locker room in his inaugural season is no small feat. It speaks to a coach who has successfully navigated the delicate transition from respected offensive coordinator to leader of the entire program. Moore arrived in New Orleans with a reputation as an offensive innovator and quarterback whisperer who helped maximize talents like Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert. But being a head coach requires a different skill set--managing personalities, delegating authority, setting a cultural tone, and earning the trust of all 53 men, not just the offensive unit.
This report card suggests Moore has cleared that substantial hurdle. An 'A' grade reflects strong communication, respect for players as professionals, and efficient, purposeful practices. Players want to feel heard, prepared, and developed. For a team accustomed to the long-tenured, definitive leadership of Sean Payton, the transition to a new voice could have been rocky. Instead, the player feedback indicates Moore has established a healthy, productive, and modern environment. His strategic mind is a given, but this report card validates his leadership qualities and his ability to connect with and command a roster. It's a foundational piece of data suggesting the Saints' football operations are in stable and capable hands, providing crucial optimism for the franchise's future.
Perhaps even more telling of the organization's commitment to improvement is the dramatic turnaround of the team's nutrition and cafeteria services. In previous NFLPA reports, this area was a consistent criticism for the Saints. Players spend countless hours at the facility; the quality, variety, and nutritional value of the food provided is not a minor perk--it's a core component of health, recovery, and performance. A subpar dining experience can become a daily source of frustration and a tangible sign of organizational neglect.
To see that category rocket to an A-minus is a testament to the front office and operations staff listening and acting. It signifies a tangible investment in player welfare. Upgrading the nutrition program involves hiring top-tier dietitians and chefs, sourcing higher-quality ingredients, and designing menus that cater to the immense caloric and macronutrient needs of professional athletes while also delivering variety and appeal. This improvement transcends mere satisfaction; it's a direct investment in the roster's physical capital. Well-fueled athletes recover faster, train harder, and perform better. By turning a major weakness into a documented strength, the Saints have sent a powerful message to their current players and potential free agents: this organization is committed to providing first-class career support.
The overall ranking of 11th synthesizes these individual successes. It indicates that these positive changes are not isolated but part of a broader cultural uplift. Other categories surveyed include strength coaching staff, the training room, the locker room, and travel conditions. While specific grades for these areas are not detailed in the initial report, a jump into the top third indicates marked improvement across many facets. It implies the Saints have made a concerted effort to address player feedback holistically, understanding that excellence on Sunday is built upon a foundation of excellence every other day of the week.
For Saints fans, this news should be incredibly encouraging. The on-field results in recent seasons have been a mix of resilience and frustration, often hovering around the .500 mark. While the win-loss column is the ultimate metric, sustainable success is built from the inside out. A happy, healthy, and respected locker room is a more cohesive and resilient one. Players who believe the organization invests in their well-being are more likely to buy into the system, play through adversity, and recruit other talent to join them.
This report card also provides crucial context for the team's strategy. As the Saints navigate a challenging salary cap environment and integrate younger talent, maintaining a positive and professional atmosphere is paramount. It aids player development and can be a deciding factor when a veteran free agent chooses between similar contract offers. The grades for Moore and the facilities become assets as tangible as draft picks or cap savings.
Of course, report cards are snapshots in time. The 2026 grade reflects the environment of the past season. The challenge for Kellen Moore and General Manager Mickey Loomis is to maintain and build upon this standard. Complacency is the enemy of progress in the NFL. The positive response to Moore's first year will raise expectations for his second. The praised cafeteria must remain a strength, not a one-year wonder.
Nevertheless, the trajectory is clear and positive. The New Orleans Saints organization, according to its own players, is trending in the right direction. They have a head coach who has earned rapid respect and a support system that has evolved from liability to league-leading strength. In the high-stakes, ultra-competitive world of the NFL, the margin for error is thin. By shoring up internal foundations, the Saints have positioned themselves better to compete on the external field of play. The 2026 NFLPA report card isn't a trophy, but it is a significant signpost, indicating the road ahead for the New Orleans Saints is being built on firmer, more respected ground.