This page lists all the 2026 NFL Signings for the New Orleans Saints. I’ve listed all of the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades here, which included the Signings. Because I’ve begun posting polls for the Signings, I thought it would make sense to list just the NFL Signings here, so archiving the voting would be easier.
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🏈 2026 NFL Free Agent Signing Grades by Team (Synced 3.23.26)
- Total Signings: 4
- Average Grade: B- (82)
March 2026 – Signings
Saints sign OLB Kaden Elliss (3 years, $33 million): B Grade
signed on 3/10/2026
Kaden Elliss began his career in New Orleans. He spent three years there, then moved to Atlanta, where he also played three years. Now, Elliss is returning to his original team once more to aid a defense that lost its top linebacker to free agency.
Elliss does everything. He’s strong in run support, he can play well in coverage, and he can also generate pressure on the quarterback. He’s a very valuable defensive piece because of his versatility. The one downside with him is that he’s now 31, but players like Elliss tend to stay on the field longer because they can continue to do some things well. Still, this is a considerable sum of money for a 31-year-old, so this signing definitely carries risk.
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Saints sign G David Edwards (4 years, $61 million): B Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
I love the idea of giving Tyler Shough the best offensive line possible. The Saints had great play from their tackles and center last year, so finding better guard play will make Shough even better.
I’m a big fan of this signing, though one downside can’t be ignored. David Edwards has a long injury history, so signing him could backfire. However, Edwards didn’t get hurt last year, so perhaps he’s over his injuries.
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Saints sign RB Travis Etienne (4 years, $52 million): D Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
This is a lot of money for a running back who was deemed a big bust heading into 2025. Travis Etienne was awful for a former first-round pick, getting benched in favor of Tank Bigsby in 2024. It wasn’t even clear if the Jaguars were going to retain him.
Etienne has to thank his lucky stars that running back whisperer Liam Coen came into his life. Etienne had an amazing 2025, leading to this signing. However, running backs who depart from Coen do not fare well. Just look at the history of it if you don’t believe me. It’s not pretty. Thus, I have to deem this signing to be a big overpay.
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January 2026 – Signings
Saints re-sign S Julian Blackmon (1 year, $3.1 million): A+ Grade
signed on 1/31/2026
Julian Blackmon seemed like a great signing by the Saints last offseason. He was known as a strong player in coverage and was supposed to help an ailing New Orleans secondary. He had a great first game, but was then lost for the season with a torn labrum.
Blackmon figures to be 100 percent entering 2026, yet the Saints were able to re-sign him to a 1-year “prove it” deal. This is a terrific bargain worthy of an A+ grade.
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