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Saints rebuild with youth as veterans depart

ESPN NFL •
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The New Orleans Saints are undergoing a dramatic roster overhaul as coach Kellen Moore enters his second season. With veterans like Demario Davis, Cameron Jordan, and Taysom Hill becoming free agents, the Saints are bringing in younger players to reshape the team. Linebacker Kaden Elliss, returning after three seasons with the Falcons, emphasized that replacing Davis will require a 'group effort' rather than one player.

This reconstruction began last summer when Derek Carr retired and Ryan Ramczyk walked away due to knee issues. The Saints drafted Tyler Shough in 2025 to stabilize the quarterback position, and he's now expected to provide leadership for the younger roster. Moore has focused on signing 'high character guys' who fit the locker room culture while maintaining on-field ability.

The changes represent the most significant turnover since Drew Brees' retirement in 2020. Players like Alvin Kamara and Foster Moreau have uncertain futures, while newcomers including Noah Fant, Travis Etienne Jr., and David Edwards are being integrated. Moore acknowledges the difficulty of absorbing these veteran departures but believes the team is planting seeds for a new chemistry in 2026.