NewOrleans.Football: Saints Podcast

Nick and Mike react to GM Mickey Loomis and HC Kellen Moore's end of season press conference. - Why did this year’s press conference feel different? - Should the Saints swing hard in free agency? - Maxx Crosby to New Orleans?

Saints GM Mickey Loomis and HC Kellen Moore held their end of season press conference Wednesday. Here's what you missed: - Moore: Building around QB Tyler Shough - Loomis: Shough progressed faster than expected, but success is not surprising - Loomis: Goal is to win the division, be dominant and make a playoff run - Loomis: Benefit of building a roster with a QB on a rookie contract - Loomis: Leaning into the rebuild after QB Derek Carr retired - Moore: Playing multiple rookies extensively - Loomis: Moore's growth as a head coach - Loomis: Process of determining if the team will bring back LB Demario Davis and DE Cam Jordan - Loomis: Recalibrating the plan after being caught off guard by Carr's retirement - Moore: Growth as a coach and handling adversity personally and as a team - Loomis: Thoughts on an extension for WR Chris Olave - Moore: Impressions of RB Alvin Kamara - Loomis: Excitement about the rookie class - Loomis: DE Chase Young's impact on the defense - Moore: Working with DC Brandon Staley - Loomis: Timing of Carr's retirement prevented the team from signing a veteran QB - Loomis: Moore handled Shough's timeline well - Loomis: Tempering expectations around Shough - Loomis: Building an organization around Shough that attracts free agents - Loomis: Thoughts on former Falcons GM Terry Fontenot - Loomis: Team is in position to take best player available instead of drafting specific positions - Loomis: Recognizing optimism around New Orleans, but tuning out the noise - Moore: Developing as a game manager in the HC role - Loomis: The current salary cap situation will allow the team to do far less work to reach compliance - Both: Trading for WR Ja'Lynn Polk and his progress - Loomis: The team has considered requesting to play in the Hall of Fame Game - Moore: Hall of Fame Game would be part of determining how to run training camp - Loomis: Making the case for former OG Jahri Evans to make the Hall of Fame - Loomis: Cam Jordan's resurgence was not surprising - Loomis: Prioritizing the interior of the offensive line during the offseason

Saints QB Tyler Shough, DB Alontae Taylor, DE Cam Jordan and WR Chris Olave held end of season press conferences Monday. Here's what you missed. Shough: - Optimism carrying into next season - Late success can be attributed to the culture built by HC Kellen Moore - Eagerness to improve footwork and passion to chase perfection - Expectations that come with being a starting quarterback - Thoughts on praise from LB Demario Davis - The goal is to build a team the city can rally behind - Rookie of the Year would be a cool accolade, but not more important than continuing to improve as a team - Staying in New Orleans for the offseason - Support system within the QB room - Looking forward to crawfish season, working on riding in a parade - Embodying the "I'll die on the field" mindset Taylor: - Optimism in the building - Playing under DC Brandon Staley was a fun opportunity - Focusing on fatherhood and listening to advice from vets as first free agency looms - Thoughts on time in New Orleans if it does come to an end Jordan: - Continuing to feel appreciated by the city of New Orleans - Strong core of players in the locker, including late additions - Showing promise during the right part of the season - Double-digit season serving as an exclamation point of ability late in career - Benefits of having Shough in the locker room - Biggest takeaways from working with Moore - DE Chase Young has embraced the organization's culture and understands the effort required on each play Olave: - Symptoms that led to blood clot diagnosis and long-term health - Watching Shough from afar while out due to the blood clot - Building on the momentum created by Shough - Excitement to have stability at QB and play caller - Moving past thoughts of retirement - Case for Shough to win Rookie of the Year - Thoughts on backup QB Spencer Rattler deserving the opportunity to start somewhere in the NFL

Nick, Mike and Kevin break down the Saints' season finale. - Chase Young and Cam Jordan reach double-digit sacks - Thoughts on Tyler Shough's rookie season - Early over/under win total for 2026?

Nick and Mike discuss what's at stake for the Saints against the Falcons. - Future schedule ramifications tied to the season finale - Should the Saints bring Demario Davis back for another year? - How many primetime games will the Saints play in 2026?