Even after a 6-11 season, there is plenty of reason for optimism in New Orleans.
Jordan and Co. won four of their last five games, with the emergence of Shoough and the offense playing a key role.
After reaching the 20-point mark just twice through Week 13, the Saints scored 20 or more points four times between Weeks 14-18. Much of the damage was done by an underpowered group that managed to catch passes, allowing teams to get home on Olave. The arrival of Tyson should provide the Saints with another perimeter threat to open up Olave’s game even more. While Vele was there last year, he had to acclimate to the team after joining New Orleans in a trade in mid-August, then went down with an injury just as he started to gain steam in the second half of the season.
The Saints also didn’t stop addressing the WR position after using the eighth overall pick on Tyson. They brought in Bryce Lance in the fourth round and Barion Brown in the sixth, adding more names along with Jordan’s aforementioned depth pieces like Polk and Palmer. With Delp joining Johnson and free agent Noah Fant, the tight end is just as well stocked.
Additionally, Jordan failed to mention perhaps the Saints’ most influential offensive play, running back Travis Etienne.
If Shoough can keep up and continue his development, there’s no reason to believe the Saints offense can’t make big strides this coming season.
For it to matter and the Saints to make a run, however, Jordan and the defense will have to contribute. The eight-time Pro Bowler has consistently delivered in that regard for 15 seasons. After being “revitalized” with his 10.5-sack 2025 campaign — his first with double-digit sacks since 2021 — Jordan looks even more ahead of ’16.
“’16 is definitely going to be phenomenal,” Jordan said. “I’m going to try to get a good Myles Garrett 22.5, 23 (sacks), but even though all I do is coach, mentor my guys, there’s nothing that’s going to take away from my will and my will for the black and gold to win a Super Bowl. It’s in any capacity, but I’m giving it my all. I’m just going to play every single game I’m going to play. I made the first snap, just like I’m going to make the last snap.” The passion I have for this game never stops.”