By Gee Bino | The Who Dat Daily
The Saints training camp battles will officially begin in just a few weeks, and they could ultimately determine whether New Orleans returns to playoff contention in 2026.
The Saints enter camp with optimism surrounding quarterback Tyler Shough, an explosive offense entering its second season under head coach Kellen Moore, and one of the NFL’s deepest rosters in years. However, several jobs remain unsettled, creating fierce competition throughout the roster.
Here are the 10 biggest Saints training camp battles to watch heading into the 2026 season.
- Spencer Rattler vs. Zach Wilson (QB2)
Tyler Shough enters camp firmly entrenched as the Saints’ starting quarterback after an impressive rookie campaign that saw him post a 5-3 record as a starter.
However, the battle for the backup quarterback job remains wide open.
Spencer Rattler possesses valuable experience within the offense and started 13 games last season. Meanwhile, former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson arrives looking to resurrect his career.
With Hunter Dekkers also joining the quarterback room, the pressure is immense.
The winner could become one of the NFL’s most important backup quarterbacks. The loser may find himself fighting for a roster spot.
- Kendre Miller vs. Devin Neal (RB3)
Few Saints players enter training camp under more pressure than Kendre Miller.
The former third-round pick enters the final year of his rookie contract after injuries and inconsistency limited his development.
Meanwhile, 2nd year RB Devin Neal returns with considerable momentum.
The Saints’ current running back hierarchy appears to be:
Travis Etienne Jr.
Alvin Kamara
Devin Neal
Kendre Miller
Audric Estime
Ty Chandler
CJ Donaldson
Miller must prove he can stay healthy and consistently produce.
If not, New Orleans may decide to move forward with younger options.
- Charlie Smyth vs. Tanner Brown (Kicker)
The Saints could have their most intriguing special teams battle in years.
Charlie Smyth returns boasting elite leg strength and immense upside.
However, Tanner Brown arrives following a spectacular UFL campaign.
Brown helped lead the Louisville Kings to a championship while earning 2026 UFL Special Teams Player of the Year honors.
He became the first professional kicker in history to convert two field goals from 60-plus yards in the same game, including a remarkable 63-yard field goal during the playoffs.
Brown converted 25-of-28 field goals (89.3%) during the regular season and finished a perfect 4-for-4 in postseason play.
The Saints traditionally value consistency, making this one of camp’s most fascinating battles.
- Bub Means vs. Ja’Lynn Polk vs. Bryce Lance vs. Barion Brown (WR Depth)
The Saints possess one of their deepest wide receiver rooms in recent memory.
Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, and Devaughn Vele are safe.
Everything behind them remains fluid.
Third-year receiver Bub Means must bounce back from an injury-shortened sophomore campaign.
Ja’Lynn Polk is looking to revive his NFL career after an underwhelming couple of seasons.
Meanwhile, Bryce Lance and Barion Brown bring youth, upside, and significant special teams value.
Versatility may ultimately decide who survives final roster cuts.
- Jeremiah Wright vs. Veteran Interior Offensive Line Depth
The Saints drafted Jeremiah Wright to compete immediately.
Wright enters camp looking to push for playing time along the interior offensive line.
Veterans understand that no job is guaranteed under Kellen Moore.
A strong preseason from Wright could dramatically reshape the offensive line depth chart.
- Isaac Yiadom vs. Martin Emerson Jr. (Cornerback Depth)
Isaac Yiadom returns on a three-year contract worth $9 million, but his role is far from secure.
Martin Emerson Jr. offers a younger player with significant upside, while other defensive backs provide valuable special teams contributions at lower costs.
With future contract extensions looming, veteran contracts will face increased scrutiny.
Yiadom must outperform younger alternatives.
- Tyree Wilson vs. Anfernee Jennings (EDGE Rotation)
Chase Young and Cam Jordan headline the edge room.
Behind them, Tyree Wilson and Anfernee Jennings will battle for critical rotational snaps.
Wilson offers first-round pedigree and enormous upside.
Jennings brings physicality, experience, and reliability. Plus others like Chris Rumph II, Second year pass rusher Fadil Diggs also add to the competition on the opposite side.
Whoever wins this battle could become a major contributor in Brandon Staley’s defense.
- Davon Godchaux vs. Christen Miller (Interior Defensive Line)
Veteran nose tackle Davon Godchaux enters the final year of his contract facing tremendous pressure.
Second-round pick Christen Miller is expected to immediately challenge for snaps.
Additional challengers include:
Khristian Boyd
Vernon Broughton
John Ridgeway III
Zxavian Harris
The Saints clearly want to become younger and more athletic up front.
Godchaux must prove he still deserves a significant role. Also Veteran DT Nate Shepard is in the mix with one year remaining on his deal. Sheppard has outperformed in comparison to Godcheaux on defense but time will tell what happens there.
- Oscar Delp vs. Noah Fant (Receiving Tight End Role)
Veteran Noah Fant enters camp as the favorite to start.
However, rookie Oscar Delp will be one of the most closely watched players in camp.
Delp’s development could dramatically impact how Kellen Moore deploys his offense in Year 2.
If Delp progresses quickly, expect more two-tight-end formations.
- The Return Specialist Battle (KR/PR)
The Saints have heavily invested in rebuilding their special teams unit.
Rookie Barion Brown enters camp as the favorite to secure return duties.
The former LSU standout was one of college football’s most dangerous return specialists and may have the clearest path to the active roster through special teams.
Mason Tipton remains his biggest challenger.
Additional candidates include:
Trey Palmer
Ronnie Bell
Kool-Aid McKinstry
Special teams coordinator Phil Galiano faces enormous pressure to improve field position metrics.
Because the receiver room is so crowded, winning the return job could secure one of the final spots on the 53-man roster.
Final Thoughts
The Saints enter training camp with significantly more depth and competition than they possessed a year ago.
That is excellent news for Kellen Moore and the coaching staff.
The downside?
Difficult decisions are coming.
How these Saints training camp battles unfold could ultimately determine whether New Orleans returns to playoff contention in 2026.
About The Author
Gee Bino
Senior Writer | The Who Dat Daily
Gee Bino is a senior writer and columnist for The Who Dat Daily, covering the New Orleans Saints, Pelicans, LSU athletics, and the Gulf South sports landscape. He specializes in roster construction, player development, salary cap strategy, and breaking news coverage. Follow The Who Dat Daily for daily news, analysis, and exclusive team coverage.
5 Saints Players Under The Most Pressure Entering Training Camp – The Who Dat Daily
The New Orleans Saints Way To Early Roster Projection & More! – The Who Dat Daily