ESPN's offseason grades reflect a critical perspective on the New Orleans Saints, who received a low D rating, marking them as having one of the worst offseasons in the NFL. Central to the criticism is the handling of quarterback Derek Carr's contract, wherein the Saints opted to restructure rather than cut him, resulting in a fully guaranteed deal that cost them $30 million. This decision raises concerns about the team's financial strategy, as they are seemingly in the midst of a rebuild despite their intentions to remain competitive in the NFC South by 2025.

The Saints have been known for their cap manipulation, yet the choice to guarantee Carr's salary has drawn skepticism from fans and analysts alike, especially with the team acknowledging a rebuilding phase. ESPN's Seth Walder emphasizes the implications of these financial commitments for the franchise's future.

The New Orleans Saints are considering a bold move in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially selecting Indiana transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza as their first overall pick. With uncertainty surrounding current quarterbacks Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, the Saints may look to rejuvenate their quarterback lineup. Mendoza, who has shown great potential during his time at Indiana, possesses the ideal size and skill set for an NFL quarterback, including impressive accuracy and a solid track record with 3,004 passing yards and 16 touchdowns last season.

Mendoza's standing as a top prospect is bolstered by his proven performance, positioning him as a future breakout star that Saints fans could rally behind. As the 2026 draft approaches, interest in Mendoza is likely to grow, especially if he continues to excel in college.

The New Orleans Saints' rookie quarterback Tyler Shough finds himself in a favorable position as he aims to secure the starting role this training camp. Drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, Shough faces an NFC South that appears vulnerable defensively. Analysts indicate that facing teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who ranked among the bottom in passer rating allowed in 2024, presents a prime opportunity for Shough to shine.

Shough's success may hinge on winning the starting job, but if he does, the weak defenses in his division could lead to impressive statistical outputs. The Buccaneers, while slightly stronger than their counterparts, still allowed a passer rating of 96.6 last season. With little change expected in the division’s defensive setups, Shough's potential for rookie success looks promising.

As the New Orleans Saints embark on a rebuilding phase post-Derek Carr’s retirement, they aim to establish their identity in the NFC South. Bleacher Report’s recent analysis highlights three key players who may shine in 2025: center Erik McCoy, edge defender Carl Granderson, and linebacker Pete Werner. McCoy, noted for his pivoting skills, is expected to anchor the offensive line, providing stability in the trenches. Granderson's versatility on the edge could make him a disruptive force, while Werner's ability to cover and tackle effectively makes him a valuable asset in the linebacker core.

Despite their challenges, these players could lead the Saints in making a competitive push within a division that is undergoing its own transitions. Identifying standout performers like McCoy, Granderson, and Werner will be crucial for the Saints as they navigate a changing landscape in the NFC South.

The NFC South is poised for a competitive 2025 season, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aiming for a fifth consecutive division title. The Buccaneers' primary competition comes from the New Orleans Saints, with star edge rusher Cam Jordan downplaying the rivalry, suggesting that the Bucs are not a true threat to the Saints' stronghold in the division. As the Buccaneers prepare for the season, the question remains whether they can maintain their dominance against a backdrop of mixed performances from other division rivals.

The analysis of the NFC South shows that the division has historically been seen as a battleground, but recent trends indicate that the Buccaneers, with their talented roster, particularly on offense, may continue to set the pace. The Saints, while competitive, have experienced fluctuations in their performance, raising questions about their ability to challenge the Buccaneers consistently.