Every year, teams go into training camp with predictions and expectations for certain position battles. This is a normal occurrence when coaches are trying to figure out their roster during the offseason, but sometimes, things change. An undrafted free agent who nobody expected to stand out has a great preseason/training camp, a veteran ends up regressing to the point of not being able to start, or a position battle goes the opposite way from what was predicted.
When looking at the New Orleans Saints’
roster, it’s hard to say with full confidence that at least one of the outcomes above will happen. The Saints were able to improve the entire team this offseason, including the depth. This will trigger some heated position battles during training camp and preseason, and here are some outcomes that could surprise many.
Zach Wilson wins QB2
When the Saints signed Zach Wilson this offseason, it was a shocking move many did not expect. Spencer Rattler was the likely QB2 for 2026, but it was clear the Saints still wanted to bring in competition. As of now, Rattler is the likely candidate to win the backup spot, but Wilson still has a path to that spot. Do not forget that Wilson was a former #2 overall selection.
Yes, Wilson is considered to be a draft bust due to the beginning of his career, but the same title was put on Super Bowl-winning QB Sam Darnold, Tampa Bay Buccaneers starter Baker Mayfield, Indianapolis Colts starter Daniel Jones, and San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones, who is probably a year away from becoming a starter somewhere. QB development takes time, especially for a QB like Wilson, who was not ready to start in the NFL. If he finally feels comfortable in an offense and can develop under a staff that is built for that purpose, Wilson could have a really good training camp and preseason, which may lead to him winning the job.
Brock Rechsteiner fills the last WR spot
The area New Orleans made significant investment in this offseason was at WR, and it’s truly incredible to see how much can change in an offseason. Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, and Barion Brown form an exciting group with versatility, talent, potential, and athleticism that the Saints have not seen in a long time. But with those 5 spots taken, that leaves 1 more spot to fill before the 53-man roster deadline.
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens in this battle because of how many other WRs will be fighting for this last spot. Former New England Patriots WR Ja’lynn Polk is the favorite due to the chemistry he has built with the team and his potential, but one UDFA may put up a good fight.
Brock Rechsteiner was a rookie mini-camp invitee who had already surprised many on the staff, leading the team to sign him right away. Rechsteiner is a more explosive player than Polk is, but Polk brings the contested catch ability that could really help this WR room. Drops have also been an issue in Polk’s young career, and if that continues and Rechsteiner becomes a consistent impact player, it would be hard for the Saints to go with Polk.
Jeremiah Wright becomes the Saints’ starting RG
Okay, here’s my long shot. When the Saints were going through their draft process, one prospect was probably the most likely selection I have seen since my time covering the Saints: Jeremiah Wright. He was projected to go on day 3, but the Saints kept getting linked with him and had many meetings with the player. It was clear early on that the Saints loved this player, even if he is more of a developmental prospect than others. They see the potential, and it’s likely that Wright is the long-term option at RG.
So, if he still needs development, how can he become the starter? Well, that’s why this is a long shot. For this to happen, Cesar Ruiz would either have to be injured or really regress this offseason (which would be very unexpected. Then, Wright needs to show development and consistency throughout training camp and the pre-season. This is not an impossible outcome, just extremely unlikely.
