3 Bold Predictions for the Saints in 2026

In his rookie year, Shough led the Saints to their five of their six victories, including a four-game win streak through December. The Saints 2nd round pick had back-to-back 300-yard games against the Jets and Titans.

With a healthy Chris Olave and a bevy of rookie receivers who can spread the field, Shough will have the chance to find cracks in most defenses, just from the sheer speed on his side.

Add to that new #1 running back Travis Etienne Jr and a returning Alvin Kamara, both of whom are true stars of the passing game, and you've got a recipe for a top-notch year for a quality year for Shough.

Just as an aside, remember when people like Pierre Thomas would take screen passes to the house? We have this feeling the screen game is making a comeback. The preseason saw a quicker offensive line and receivers willing to TRULY make the moves necessary to make the defense think something else was coming.

Bold Prediction #2: Kaden Elliss Will Get Ten Sacks

Brandon Staley's defense is built upon the EDGE. His most athletic players end up there: Cam Jordan, Chase Young, and, even if it's not his official position, the return to New Orleans of linebacker Kaden Elliss on the outside of the defense makes him a special edition.

His best year for sacks was his last in New Orleans, when the then-Saints linebacker piled up 7-sacks. In his three seasons in Atlanta, Elliss had a total of a dozen.

This Saints defense is built for someone like Kaden Elliss. His disruptive play and incredible athleticism makes him difficult to block and make plays off of. Those two dynamic assets are what make him the perfect linebacker for Staley. Though listed as a linebacker, do not be surprised to see Elliss lined up on the EDGE and getting after the opposing quarterback.

Bold Prediction #3: The Saints Will Bring Back Charlie Smyth to Kick

For seven seasons, Daniel Carlson has been a kicker in the NFL. That's longevity, seeing as how the average lifespan of a place kicker in the league is just under five years.

During Carlson's years with the Raiders, his numbers dropped each season.

In 2020, he hit 94.3% of his field goals, earning him All-Pro honors. In 2021, he was down a notch at 93.0%, but still earned the All-Pro trophy.

He has gone down every year since then.

- 91.9% in 2022
- 86.7% in 2023
- 85.0% in 2024
- 81.5% in 2025

How much rope are the Saints willing to give Carlson before he hits the end of it? They have a kicker on the practice squad right now (clearing the throat) who hit 75% of his 16 field goal attempts last year. Let's see where things go if the veteran Carlson continues the drop he's been on for six seasons.

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