Former NFL GM likes what Saints have added to their offense in 2026

The New Orleans Saints have plenty to prove entering training camp, but Ran Carthon sees real reasons for optimism. The former Tennessee Titans general manager pointed to the continuity with Tyler Shough in Kellen Moore’s offense, the addition of Travis Etienne Jr., and the arrival of rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson as reasons New Orleans could take a step forward in 2026.

“That’s going to be the biggest thing, especially having an offensive-minded head coach in Kellen Moore, who is one of the better young play callers in this league,” Carthon said on SiriusXM with host Bill Lekas. “We’ve seen him have success calling offenses in Dallas, we’ve seen him have success calling offenses in Philly, and now he’s going to be able to continue to grow in New Orleans.”

Shough will enter his second season with the same head coach and offensive system, which should give him a better foundation than many young quarterbacks have. His 2026 NFL Draft classmates, Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, and Shedeur Sanders, will all need to do the opposite, learning a new playbook and scheme with new head coaches this season. That continuity matters for a player still trying to establish himself as the long-term answer at quarterback in New Orleans.

After deciding to move forward with Shough heading into Year 2, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and the team’s front office made big moves in free agency and in the draft. Adding Etienne was one of them, and Carthon appeared especially interested in his pairing with longtime Saints running back Alvin Kamara, barring a last-minute roster transaction involving Kamara.

“You go, and you add Travis Etienne, you bring him in, and now you’re mixing him in the backfield with an Alvin Kamara,” Carthon said. “That is going to be a really good combination for Saints fans. It’s going to take you back a little bit to the Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram days, where you had that two-headed monster in the backfield.”

The optimism continues for Carthon at wide receiver, who had high praise for Tyson. The former Titans general manager viewed the former Arizona State wideout as the top receiver in the draft class, which could help ease the pressure previously placed on Chris Olave.

“You bring in Jordyn Tyson, who I felt was the number one wide receiver in the draft class,” Carthon said. “He was the one wide receiver from the draft class that you saw perform as a number one wide receiver. You can move him around; he can play X, he can play Z, he can play in the slot, and I think he’s going to be a real playmaker for them.”

That gives the Saints a more complete group than they had a year ago. Olave remains the team’s explosive vertical threat, while Tyson can move around in different formations and create looks for Moore’s offense.

Carthon also mentioned Kelvin Banks Jr. as a potential cornerstone left tackle and mentioned Kaden Elliss’ versatility and playmaking on defense as something that could stand out in 2026. Now, after a 6-11 season in 2025, New Orleans has to prove it can turn the optimism into more wins. Can the Saints go from worst to first? Carthon believes so — with Shough running the show in Year 2 and Moore still devising unique ways to use new pieces on offense.

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LOOK: Photos from New Orleans Saints’ mandatory minicamp practice

METAIRIE, LOUISIANA – JUNE 17: Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints takes part in drills during mandatory mini camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center on June 17, 2026 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

(Tyler Kaufman, Getty Images)