A New Chapter: Kellen Moore’s Second Offseason with the New Orleans Saints

INDIANAPOLIS — Kellen Moore’s second offseason with the New Orleans Saints marks a stark contrast to his first. The whirlwind of winning a Super Bowl in his new home city has settled, allowing him the essential breathing room to strategize and focus on the future.

Diving into Draft Preparation

One of the most significant changes this year is Moore’s proactive approach to the NFL draft. After the Senior Bowl, he collaborated with college scouting director Jeff Ireland and his team to conduct an in-depth evaluation of draft-eligible prospects. Unlike in previous seasons, where he would focus on free agency first, Moore has prioritized understanding potential future players ahead of time.

“I’ve already gotten the first lap, first impression for all these draft-eligible guys,” Moore noted after his initial evaluations. His recent involvement at the scouting combine further underscores this commitment, as he engaged in prospect meetings to gather crucial information.

Optimizing the Run Game

Moore has identified the need for significant improvements in the Saints’ running game moving into 2026. Notably, the team failed to produce a 500-yard rusher for the first time since 1998—a stark statistic that highlights the necessity for change. During his review of the previous season, he pinpointed weaknesses in first and second down plays, emphasizing how improving these areas could pave the way for explosive offensive plays down the line.

“Improving our red zone efficiency and short-yardage running is vital,” he stated, signaling a clear plan for offseason development.

Building Around Tyler Shough

A crucial factor driving Moore’s offensive strategies will be the development of quarterback Tyler Shough. Recognizing the importance of the quarterback position, Moore expressed excitement about the potential of building an offense specifically tailored to Shough’s strengths in his second year.

“Any offense is going to be steered by the quarterback position,” Moore said. This commitment indicates a focused, aggressive offseason dedicated to honing the offensive system around Shough, which should catalyze a more effective game plan for the coming season.

Navigating Free Agency Concerns

Free agency decisions loom large for the Saints, with key players like cornerback Alontae Taylor and linebacker Demario Davis in the spotlight. When pressed about these decisions, Moore remained diplomatic, emphasizing that those discussions are primarily between General Manager Mickey Loomis and the players involved.

“Those are obviously conversations that Mickey’s having with those guys just to see where they’re at,” he said, reinforcing the notion that maintaining a cohesive team is paramount to his strategy moving forward.

Alvin Kamara’s Future in Question

Also under scrutiny is running back Alvin Kamara, who, although not a free agent, carries an $18 million cap hit. Moore did not divulge any information regarding whether the Saints would consider asking Kamara for a pay cut or potentially moving on from him, but he expressed regret that Kamara had missed the last six games due to a knee injury.

“Our team was finally starting to play a little bit better collectively, and I think he would have reaped some benefits from that,” Moore reflected, indicating that Kamara’s presence could have made a significant difference.

Familiar Faces and Team Chemistry

Moore’s previous experience as an offensive coordinator has given him a unique perspective on potentially reuniting with players he coached in the past. For instance, he worked with notable talent such as tight end Dallas Goedert and running back Kenneth Gainwell in Philadelphia, as well as offensive linemen like Zion Johnson and Mekhi Becton.

While he refrained from specifically discussing these players due to contractual obligations, he acknowledged the value of returning players familiar with the system.

“There’s value in having people that are familiar with a system or with yourself on a personal level,” he mentioned. However, he quickly balanced this by noting the importance of integrating new talent that fits the team’s evolving culture.

A Blend of Veteran Familiarity and Fresh Talent

Moore’s first year in New Orleans saw strategic acquisitions like tight end Jack Stoll and wide receiver Brandin Cooks, aimed at easing the transition into his offensive system. As he gears up for his second season, he seems poised to adopt a similar mixture of familiar faces and new additions.

The offseason strategy, combining established players with fresh talent, aligns well with Moore’s vision for the Saints moving forward. As he prepares for the challenges ahead, the blend of familiarity and innovation promises an intriguing season for Saints fans.