Saints Looking for a Bounce Back Year - But They May Need More Time

The New Orleans Saints seem like they’re always rebuilding. That’s no different in 2026. This team needs to make a real comeback after a 6-11 last season.

But, the Saints may need more time, especially if they want to be an entertaining team for those outside of New Orleans to watch. They’re not a team you see on the primetime games a lot, but that could change after a comeback. Not before.

Think about how long it’s been since the Saints have been to the playoffs. The last time was in 2020. That’s an eternity ago in football. The team made the playoffs in 2020, beating the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card round, 21-9, but then lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round.

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It’s been a drought for Saints fans, and that makes them a not-so interesting team to watch, at least for now.

NFL analyst Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz has a feature for USA Today published on Friday, June 12, where he lists every NFL team from most to least entertaining.

He doesn’t have high hopes for the Saints but does say that “everything is trending in the right direction” for the team thanks to head coach Kellen Moore.

“More big plays downfield should be accessible to Tyler Shough with the addition of rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, and running back Travis Etienne Jr. and offensive guard David Edwards could jump-start a ground game that ranked second in yards per carry,” he adds. “Still, New Orleans might need some time before everything comes together.”

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The New Orleans Saints Still Have a Way to Go Before They’re Contenders

Teams are fun to watch when they become contenders. Plus, everybody loves an underdog story. With that in mind, if the Saints have a comeback year, I actually think they’ll be one of the most exciting teams to watch.

But, that’s an if. For a team that hasn’t been to the postseason in more than five years, it’s a stretch to say NFL viewers will really pay attention to them. Unless they start to make some noise. Don’t count the Saints out yet, but it will take a lot to get them that entertainment factor.

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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 12:34 PM.