The New Orleans Saints created a productive 2026 NFL Draft rookie class. Now, the other players along the depth chart must prove they deserve a spot on the 53-man group entering the season opener. These are a few names who are probably feeling the pressure given the Saints' picks.
The roster shuffle entering the start of the NFL season isn't easy on anyone. Coaches, executives, and players all feel it, and some depth for the New Orleans will have to be cut or head to the practice squad during the cutdown.
With that, I highlighted five players who could be on the chopping block after the 2026 NFL Draft for the Saints.
Bell was a depth player for New Orleans' pass game last season and filled in late in the year due to injuries. For Saints fans, he's known for his incredible, one-handed touchdown reception against the Atlanta Falcons
.
With the Saints taking three wide receivers in this year's class, including LSU's Barion Brown
, it is tough to see Bell landing on the active roster. Brown will make an impact on special teams as a rookie, and that takes another avenue away from Bell. The Saints should absolutely try to keep him on their practice squad since he's familiar with Kellen Moore's offense from 2025, though.
The former fourth-round pick has dealt with multiple season-ending injuries so far in his pro career. It is a shame for Saldiveri, who truly hasn't been able to stay on the field long enough to prove whether or not he can be a backup at the NFL level.
New Orleans took Auburn's Jeremiah Wright in the fourth round, and he will be a backup option at multiple spots inside. David Edwards was added during free agency to start at left guard for the Saints. Saldiveri will battle with Torricelli Simpkins III
and Dillon Radunz
for depth roles along the OL, and I just don't see him winning over one of them.
This is a tough pill to swallow for the Saints. If New Orleans does keep veteran RB Alvin Kamara
for this season, that will only push Miller further down the totem pole since they signed Travis Etienne Jr.
to be their starter during free agency.
Add in that Devin Neal
had some bright moments as a rookie last season, and you've got a ton of pressure on Miller to make the active roster. Injuries have plagued the young RB, and he may just be one of the roster cuts the Saints don't want to make – but have to.
Ford has played a role on special teams when available for New Orleans, but after last season's healthy inactive decisions on Ford, he's definitely on the bubble.
Danny Stutsman
will play a larger role in 2026. Plus, Isaiah Stalbird
was a special teams machine for the Saints last year, so he may have an upper hand as a depth LB.
The veteran CB will feel the heat, particularly because the Saints added Martin Emerson Jr. to the mix recently via free agency. Emerson is an outside CB option, and Yiadom struggled badly on defense last season.
While he is familiar with the system and can help on special teams, New Orleans may choose younger options like Rejzohn Wright and rookie T.J. Hall as the last cornerbacks on the active roster. He will need to prove he can still make a notable impact during camp and the preseason.
Who are some other Saints players you could see losing out on a roster spot ahead of Week 1? Will there be any huge surprises? Let us know via social media.
