PODCAST: Should the Saints be the AFC South Favorites?
TJ Jones dissects the path to a divisional title, balancing roster modernization and trench warfare as New Orleans navigates a pivotal transition toward becoming legitimate 2026 contender.
On this episode, TJ Jones zooms out and gives a full outlook on what the Saints could look like in 2026, starting with the question everybody’s already asking: are the Saints legitimate contenders in a more competitive, more chaotic NFC South. TJ doesn’t crown New Orleans as a runaway favorite, but TJ does lay out the path, and it starts up front. The biggest swing factor, in TJ’s view, is a healthy offensive line and more consistent week-to-week execution, because it’s hard to build on last season’s six-win finish if the trenches are leaking and the offense is constantly playing behind schedule.
From there, TJ gets into roster additions and what the Saints are trying to become stylistically. TJ highlights the push to add more dynamic playmakers, including a new wide receiver with a fun name tie and a rookie with real upside, and frames it as a clear attempt to modernize the offense with more speed, more juice, and more explosive potential. On defense, TJ brings up a notable addition as a piece that could matter more than people realize, especially if the Saints can pair improved talent with more reliable availability on the back end and up front.
TJ also spends time on philosophy, praising the front office for leaning into the trenches and shifting toward a younger, more athletic roster. The show has a “transition era” feel to it, with TJ acknowledging that the Saints are still working through what life looks like post-Drew Brees, but TJ also pushes back on the idea that the climb has to take forever. TJ says winning the division and hosting a playoff game is on the table, even if Super Bowl contention still feels like a couple steps and a couple years away.
The back half is heavy fan interaction, with TJ answering questions about the schedule, the quarterback situation with Tyler Shough, and bigger roster crossroads like the potential departure of Cam Jordan and what the future looks like for a unique role player like Taysom Hill. It’s part projection, part reality check, and a solid snapshot of where Saints optimism actually lives heading into 2026.