Saints' biggest need is position that would help Tyler Shough, but not a RB or WR

The New Orleans Saints might have found their franchise quarterback in second-round pick Tyler Shough. He's proven to be a solid starter at worst, and there's plenty of optimism for Shough entering year two in the NFL.

With so much optimism, it's not a surprise that Saints fans and media have linked the Saints to the top free agent and draft wide receivers and running backs this offseason. Those are two major needs for the Saints this offseason.

However, according to ESPN's Katherine Terrell, the Saints' biggest need for the Saints isn't a running back or wide receiver. Instead, their biggest need is an interior offensive lineman.

Saints' biggest need is IOL, not RB or WR

"Biggest need: Interior offensive line," Terrell writes. "The Saints have an open spot at left guard, and it would make sense to target that position in free agency, not only to help the run but protect quarterback Tyler Shough as well."

The Saints have solved two of the biggest issues along the offensive line already. Their left tackle, Kelvin Banks Jr., and their right tackle, Taliese Fuaga, are great starters.

Add in Cesar Ruiz at right guard and Erik McCoy at center, and the Saints have, for the most part, a complete offensive line. But, at left guard, the Saints need to add an impact starter this offseason.

Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Isaac Seumalo, John Simpson, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Zion Johnson, David Edwards, James Daniels, Kevin Zeitler, and Mekhi Becton are a few interior offensive line free agents to consider.

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Of these free agent options, Bitonio, Teller, Seumalo, and Johnson would be their best options. They won't be cheap, but with the Saints clearing some space this offseason, adding a star left guard would be huge for the Saints.

While the running back and wide receiver positions are a lot more exciting, the Saints' landing a good starting left guard would be massive for the team this offseason.

Kellen Moore's offense with Shough looks ready to make a postseason push, and adding a left guard might be the key to making such a leap in 2026, as opposed to a new running back or wide receiver, despite those spots being positions of need as well.

More Saints news:

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• Chris Olave predicted to land massive contract extension this offseason
• The Marshon Lattimore trade has aged very nicely for Saints
• Trade idea from ESPN sends Chris Olave to Eagles for AJ Brown
• Alec Pierce predicted to join Chris Olave in Saints' WR room
• Spencer Rattler drawing trade interest after Tyler Shough breakout