The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the 2026 season with a reshaped leadership core, as several key figures from last year's captain roster have departed. Coach Kellen Moore's philosophy emphasizes a strong leadership group, and with almost half of the 2025 captains having moved on, the team needs new players to embrace the responsibility of rallying their teammates before games. This transition presents an opportunity for emerging talents to step into influential positions and help steer the team's direction.
Last year's captain lineup, which consisted of eight players, has seen notable changes. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks and kicker Blake Grupe were released mid-season, while veteran Demario Davis, who had taken over the pre-game address role from Drew Brees, left during free agency. This leaves a core of five returning captains: defensive end Cameron Jordan, who has been a captain since 2015; center Erik McCoy, a captain since 2023; safety Justin Reid, who earned his first captain title in 2025; running back Alvin Kamara, a captain in 2022, 2024, and 2025; and long snapper Zach Wood, representing special teams since 2023. While these five are strong contenders to retain their captaincy, the door is open for other deserving players to step forward and assume leadership roles for the 2026 season.
Amidst these changes, three players are particularly poised to become new team captains, indicating the high expectations the organization has for them. These individuals are expected to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and on-field performance to earn the coveted captain's patch.
Tyler Shough, the team's starting quarterback, is a prime candidate. In the NFL, starting quarterbacks almost universally wear the captain's patch, signifying their pivotal role in team leadership. Shough, who needed time to solidify his starting position last season after being outplayed by Spencer Rattler in the preseason, is now the undisputed QB1. Earning the captaincy would not only affirm his standing but also demonstrate his growth and ability to lead the offense. If he fails to secure this role during training camp, it could signal underlying doubts about his consistency and leadership, potentially leading to a shorter leash than anticipated. For the team's success, Shough's quick ascent to captain status, driven by strong performance, is crucial.
Kaden Elliss is another strong contender, particularly given Demario Davis's departure. Elliss, who first became a captain with the Atlanta Falcons in 2025, has returned to New Orleans to fill the void left by his former mentor. Davis played a significant role in shaping Elliss's professional career, teaching him the ropes of being a high-caliber NFL player. Now, Elliss has the opportunity to apply those lessons and establish himself as the primary leader in the middle of the field. While Pete Werner, a long-time teammate of Davis, is also a candidate, his competition for a starting spot with second-year player Danny Stutsman might hinder his captaincy prospects. As a clear full-time starter, Elliss is expected to step up and claim the captain's patch.
Finally, punter Ryan Wright is a unique, yet compelling, choice for a captaincy role. Despite not having been a special teams captain during his four years with the Minnesota Vikings, where Andrew DePaola and C.J. Ham held that honor, Wright's current position and investment suggest a shift. As one of the NFL's highest-paid punters, his responsibilities extend beyond merely placing punts. The Saints are banking on him to become a foundational pillar for their kicking game, asserting himself as a vocal leader within special teams. However, if Wright doesn't naturally adopt a more assertive leadership style, linebacker Isaiah Stalbird, with his impressive 13 special teams tackles and significant snap count, could emerge as an alternative leader for the special teams unit.
The upcoming season will be a test for these players to not only perform at a high level but also to embrace the leadership responsibilities required to guide the New Orleans Saints. Their ability to inspire and direct their teammates will be essential for the team's overall success.
