To most NFL fans and media, the New Orleans Saints were not a team to take seriously in 2025 under first-year head coach Kellen Moore. A 6-11 record and a top 10 draft pick might seem to reinforce that view, yet the Saints are entering the offseason as a team that showed considerable promise.
After a 1-7 start to the season, Moore named rookie Tyler Shough the starting quarterback, and the results were immediate. Shough brought a new competence to the offense and sparked new life in the fan base.
Questions remained about whether Shough had done enough to be the Saints’ quarterback moving forward, but Moore seemed to settle those doubts. “We feel great with Tyler... We're excited to have a full offseason to build,” Moore said.
Kellen Moore on if Tyler Shough is Saints starting QB for next season:
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) January 7, 2026
"We feel great with Tyler... We're excited to have a full offseason to build."
Offseason Brings Optimism
After taking over in Week 9, Shough ranked third in completion percentage and eighth in passer rating in the NFL, leading the Saints to a 5-4 record in the second half of the season.
Shough’s rapport with Moore was evident, and he elevated the players around him. Fourth-year receiver Chris Olave had a career year, setting career highs in targets, receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
Olave credited Shough for the improvement, saying, “It helps a lot with the bigger picture. It makes me want to stay here even more.”
"It makes me want to stay here even more."#Saints WR Chris Olave on entering the offseason with stability in QB Tyler Shough and play caller Kellen Moore pic.twitter.com/j2UEjj6b08
— NOF (@nofnetwork) January 5, 2026
Olave will enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2026.
On the defensive side, Moore also found unexpected success under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. After Week 9, the Saints ranked first in the NFL in total defense and second in scoring defense, with Staley generating pressure through the pass-rushing duo of Cam Jordan and Chase Young, both of whom recorded double-digit sacks.
While there is a positive outlook, the Saints still face key questions this offseason. Veterans Demario Davis, Taysom Hill and Jordan are all set to be free agents, leaving uncertainty on both sides of the ball.
On offense, the team will need to find consistent production at running back after veteran Alvin Kamara had a down year and questions linger about the young depth behind him.
With bright spots on both sides of the ball, Moore and the Saints head into the offseason with optimism as they look to shore up roster holes and continue developing this young team into contenders.