ESPN: 3 Saints additions among NFL's most impactful acquisitions
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ESPN: 3 Saints additions among NFL's most impactful acquisitions
Arye Pulli, Saints Wire
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2 min read
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TheNew Orleans Saintsprioritized upgrading their offense this offseason, and three of their biggest additions are expected to make an immediate impact. ESPN's Matt Bowen included wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, running backTravis Etienne Jr., and guardDavid Edwardsin hisranking of the NFL's 50 most impactful offseason acquisitions. Bowen evaluated the players strictly by their projected on-field impact, ignoring contracts and the cost of acquiring them.
No. 27: Jordyn Tyson, WR
Tyson was the Saints' highest-ranked player at No. 27. Selected at pick No. 8 in the 2026 NFL Draft, Tyson is expected to immediately start alongsideChris Olave, givingTyler Shoughanother playmaker who can line up across the formations. He'll be a perennial candidate to win the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award so long as he can stay healthy.
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"Tyson will work opposite Chris Olave inNew Orleans, giving second-year quarterback Tyler Shough two perimeter targets with alignment flexibility," Bowen wrote. "Tyson can make plays vertically, using his 6-foot-2 frame and big-time ball skills to win against smaller cornerbacks. Plus, he can create separation on middle-of-the-field throws in coach Kellen Moore's offense."
No. 47: Travis Etienne Jr., RB
Etienne joined the Saints on a four-year deal worth $48 million this offseason. The return ofAlvin Kamaracould limit Etienne's overall workload, but Kellen Moore should have plenty of ways to utilize a running back who scored 13 total touchdowns last season.
"Etienne can produce as a receiver, and I would expect Moore to get him on the perimeter in the run game," Bowen wrote.
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No. 50: David Edwards, OG
Edwards is a veteran presence that the Saints added to the interior of their offensive line. The tackle position, featuringKelvin Banks Jr.andTaliese Fuaga, is one built with young pieces. Edwards will help mentor those young guys while also being productive as an anchor of the interior.
"Edwards adds veteran experience to a rapidly developing offensive line in New Orleans," Bowen said. "He has played his best football over the past couple of seasons; his 95% pass block win rate in 2025 ranked 12th among 65 qualifying guards."
All three additions will play significant roles as the Saints look to build a stronger supporting cast around Shough. As Bowen mentioned, things appear to be looking up in New Orleans as the team aims to win the NFC South and return to the playoffs in 2026.
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. chats with young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Jaguars DB Jarrian Jonesw and college team mate of Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. chats with young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. chats with young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Paul Chestnutt takes a photo of his son Matty with Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Jaguars DB Jarrian Jonesw and college team mate of Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. fires up young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
1/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
1/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
2/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
3/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. chats with young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
4/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
5/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Jaguars DB Jarrian Jonesw and college team mate of Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
6/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
7/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
8/15
Countdown to Kickoff: Martin Emerson Jr. is Saints Player of Day 47
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. chats with young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
9/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. chats with young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
10/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Paul Chestnutt takes a photo of his son Matty with Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
11/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
12/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Jaguars DB Jarrian Jonesw and college team mate of Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
13/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
14/15
Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
15/15
5 Saints players who need a great training camp in 2026
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. fires up young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
