The New Orleans Saints face a crossroads as their past glories fade, making the 2026 season a make-or-break moment for the franchise. With the team now overshadowed by LSU's headline-grabbing hire of Lane Kiffin and the Tulane Green Wave's momentum, the Saints can no longer rely on previous success. New faces like Tyler Shough, wide receiver Devaughn Vele, and a reshaped offensive line must lead a genuine reboot under head coach Kellen Moore. Big questions loom for the Saints' defense with Justin Reid’s knee injury possibly forcing more young talent like ordan Howden and Terrell Burgess into starting roles next to Jonas Sanker. Meanwhile, Vele’s breakout performance against the Miami Dolphins has raised expectations. 0:26 — Saints Overshadowed Locally 10:04 — Devaughn Vele’s Breakout & Key Role 19:54 — Justin Reid Injury Update & Defensive Adjustments 26:21 - Charlie Smyth Holding On To Kicker Role BECOME A LOCKED ON SAINTS INSIDER: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonsaints Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-saints/ Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft & More 🎧https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-nfl/ LouisianaSports.Net's Ross Jackson hosts the Locked On Saints Podcast keeping the Who Dat Nation up-to-date with everything you need to know about your beloved New Orleans Saints. And follow Ross on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the New Orleans Saints and talking with fans. On Twitter: https://twitter.com/RossJacksonNOLA Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Aura Frames For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code LOCKEDON at checkout. FanDuel If you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
