The Saints were active on the first day of the NFL free agency period. The two biggest additions were running back Travis Etienne and veteran offensive guard David Edwards. Matt Paras of The Advocate says both players are strong pieces to build around quarterback Tyler Shough and should help address the issues with the run game.
“I think both really try and address that weakness this past season. And I also really think it surrounds Tyler Shough with more help, which was also a clear priority for the Saints this offseason,” Paras said.
After playing eight seasons with the Saints, veteran linebacker Demario Davis is leaving New Orleans. Davis signed a reported two-year, $22 million deal with the New York Jets on Monday. Paras says Davis, who led the team in tackles in 2025, will be hard to replace.
“I think they’ll miss his presence for sure. I don’t know how you replace a player like that, that you have on the field. Maybe Danny Stutsman is now ready for a bigger role,” Paras noted.
The Saints also signed former Tulane and Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright to a reported four-year deal worth $14 million. Paras says the move to make Wright the fourth-highest-paid punter in the NFL is justified.
“So they’re investing in a position they really haven’t done, historically. But given the punting situation last year, which was pretty ugly at times, I think this takes steps to solve it,” Paras explained.
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