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Saints’ worst fears realized with Bryan Bresee injury update
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- Saints’ worst fears realized with Bryan Bresee injury update
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The New Orleans Saints could look a lot different during the 2026 season. New Orleans has already said goodbye to some iconic franchise players this offseason. They spent the offseason adding new players who could become the backbone of the next generation of Saints teams. Unfortunately, one defensive star will not be a part of that revolution this fall.
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Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed to reporters on Sunday that Bryan Bresee will have season-ending surgery on his torn ACL, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Bresee suffered his ACL injury on July 29th and New Orleans immediately feared the worst.
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New Orleans was counting on Bresee to hold down the middle of their defensive line in 2026. The 24-year-old defensive tackle made steady growth during his first three seasons in the NFL. He played a significant role for the Saints in 2025, even if his production doesn't jump off the stat sheet. He logged 37 total tackles (the most of his career) with two-and-a-half sacks and one forced fumble.
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Fortunately, Bresee should have the opportunity to make a comeback during the 2027 season. The Saints picked up the fifth-year option on Bresee's rookie contract. That will keep him in New Orleans through the 2027 season, with a $13.93 million fully guaranteed deal next year.
Now that Bresee is out of the lineup, veteran John Ridgeway III could be the biggest beneficiary. He projects as a starter alongside Cam Jordan and Davon Godchaux on the interior.
Ultimately, the Saints may need to rely heavily on their offense during the 2026 season. Bresee's injury certainly hurts, but it does not single-handedly destroy the team's chances at competing.
It will be interesting to see how New Orleans replaces Bresee's snaps throughout the rest of training camp.
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