The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a crossroads in the 2026 offseason. Following a 6-11 season that featured a late-year resurgence behind quarterback Tyler Shough, the mandate is clear, get this man some more weapons.
While Chris Olave remains the undisputed WR1 and the team is banking on a 2026 breakout. Two names that are possibly on the Saints’ radar, both with massive SEC pedigree, offer vastly different flavors of explosive potential. LSU candidates, Aaron Anderson and Barion Brown are prospect
draft selections.
With the Saints currently holding the No. 8 overall pick and looking to bolster a roster undergoing a Kellen Moore-led identity shift, here is an opinion on the two best “local” WR’s that are possibly a good fit for the Black and Gold.
The Hometown Hero: Aaron Anderson (LSU)
If the Saints want to maintain their long-standing tradition of keeping Louisiana’s best talent in-state, Aaron Anderson is the call. Standing at 5’8″, Anderson is the definition of a “human joystick.”
Why He Fits:
The Saints’ offense has lacked a true, twitchy slot threat since the early days of Deonte Harty. Anderson is a separation specialist. His 4.3-speed and elite short-area burst make him a nightmare for nickels and safeties in the middle of the field.
- The “LSU Connection”: We’ve seen the success of LSU receivers in the NFL. Anderson understands the “wide receiver university” standard.
- Complementary Style: While Olave stretches the field and Polk wins the contested 50/50 balls, Anderson is the guy you give a bubble screen to on 3rd-and-4 and watch him make three defenders miss for a first down.
The Risk:
His size is the primary concern. In a physical NFC South, can a 188-pound receiver hold up over 17 games? He’s likely a Day 3 target who would provide immediate value on punt returns while developing into a niche offensive weapon.
The Home-Run Hitter: Barion Brown (LSU/Kentucky)
Barion Brown spent most of his career at Kentucky before transferring to LSU for the 2025 season, but his reputation as the most dangerous returner in college football precedes him. He holds the SEC record with six kickoff return touchdowns.
Why He Fits:
Brown isn’t just a receiver; he’s an “all-purpose” weapon. For a Saints team that has struggled with field position and “chunk” plays, Brown is a walking explosive play.
- Versatility: Brown can be used in the backfield, on jet sweeps, and as a vertical threat. He is slightly taller (5’11”) than Anderson, offering a bit more range on the outside.
- Special Teams Impact: With the NFL’s new kickoff rules making the return game relevant again, Brown’s value skyrockets. He is a dynamic return specialist and a “big-play” receiver. He could theoretically win two games a year for New Orleans just on special teams alone.
The Risk:
Consistency has been the bugaboo. While he has elite traits, his production as a pure “route runner” has been up and down. Drafting Brown is a bet on coaching—trusting Klint Kubiak to manufacture touches for him.
Who Should the Saints Pick?
If the Saints are looking for a pure slot receiver to move the chains and provide a reliable target for Tyler Shough, Aaron Anderson is the more polished fit for the “New Orleans” system. He’s the type of player who becomes a fan favorite in the Superdome by his second preseason game.
However, if they want to swing for the fences, Barion Brown is the choice. His ability to change a game in a single play, whether on a 70-yard post route or a 99-yard kickoff return, is something the Saints have lacked since the peak “Sproles/Cooks” era.
In a draft where the Saints need to maximize value, taking Anderson in the middle rounds might be the “smart” move, but drafting Brown would be the “bold” one that finally gives this offense its teeth back.
