The New Orleans Saints leadership core just took a massive hit, and man, it’s a big one. Three of their eight 2025 captains are no longer on the roster, leaving some serious shoes to fill. Head coach Kellen Moore clearly values a strong leadership group , he had eight guys wearing the patch last year , but with wide receiver Brandin Cooks and kicker Blake Grupe getting cut midseason, and the absolute cornerstone, Demario Davis, walking away in free agency this spring, someone *new* has to step up. Davis was the guy who took the responsibility of addressing the team from Drew Brees himself, so that’s a gaping void. The returning five , Cameron Jordan, Erik McCoy, Justin Reid, Alvin Kamara, and Zach Wood , they’re solid, but they can’t do it alone.
Shough’s Season Starts Now, Or Else
First up, it’s gotta be Tyler Shough, plain and simple. Every single starting quarterback across the league, or at least almost all of them, rocks that captain’s patch every single Sunday. And Shough? The expectation is absolutely that he joins that club. Remember last season? He needed extra time just to get ready for his opportunity, even got outplayed by Spencer Rattler during preseason. That wasn’t a good look, not at all. But now, it’s different. He’s QB1, no question about it. If he isn’t wearing that patch this fall, if he can’t prove himself worthy during training camp over the summer, it’s a massive red flag. That would mean he didn’t meet the expectations, and that shortens his leash faster than anyone wants to admit. He needs to play well, stamp out those doubts, and do it yesterday, because the clock is ticking.
Elliss Has To Own The Middle, Wright Needs To Step Up
Then there’s Kaden Elliss, and this guy is walking into a massive opportunity. He was a captain for the Atlanta Falcons in 2025 , he knows what leadership looks like. Now, he’s back in New Orleans, specifically to try and fill the immense void that Demario Davis left behind. Davis wasn’t just a teammate for Elliss; he was a mentor, showing him how to be a great pro in the NFL. It’s Kaden’s time now to put every single one of those lessons into practice. He’s got to prove he’s not just *an* option, but the *best* option to man the middle of that field. Sure, Pete Werner, who split snaps with second-year pick Danny Stutsman last season, is competing for his starting job, but Elliss is the surefire full-time starter here. The pressure is squarely on him to earn that captain’s patch and lead by example.
And let’s not forget Ryan Wright for special teams. This one’s tricky, man. In four years with the Minnesota Vikings, he never got that special teams captain honor. If he’s going to grab that leadership role in New Orleans, he’s got to show something new and undeniable in camp. This isn’t just about punting, it’s about presence.
What’s really on the line for these three isn’t just a fancy patch stitched onto a jersey. It’s about who steps up to lead this New Orleans Saints team into the 2026 season. Head coach Moore is looking for new voices, new examples. Every single rep in training camp, every huddle, it all matters. These players need to own it, prove they can be the voice and the backbone for New Orleans, and show everyone they’re ready when the real games kick off. The leadership questions need answers fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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