The New Orleans Saints have found themselves in an unenviable position in recent years, juggling a precarious salary-cap situation with their insistence on competing in the short term. Several veteran players have seen their contracts re-worked, then re-worked again, as the team continues to push financial worries down the road.
Those restructures are rumored to be among the reasons for Derek Carr’s surprising recent retirement, with many believing that the veteran had soured on the organization. That retirement has left the team’s recent second-round pick, Tyler Shough, in pole position to lead the offense in his rookie year.
Shough is highly thought of in New Orleans, but his starting role could be short-lived if the recent three-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft from PFSN’s Ian Cummings is anything to go by.
Saints Land New Franchise Quarterback in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
While drafting another quarterback in 2026 may seem like an odd thing to do for New Orleans, the opportunity may prove impossible to turn down. The Saints hold the first overall pick in Cummings’ mock draft, due to having the longest odds to win the Super Bowl, according to BetMGM.
With that first overall pick, the Saints select Indiana quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza, who has recorded a total of 35 touchdowns in his college career. Cummings notes Mendoza’s prototypical build and NFL-ready arm talent as reasons for him being taken over Cade Klubnik, who lands on the Browns at Pick 3.
The mock draft was written with the assumption that the highly-coveted Arch Manning will be staying in college in 2026, but Cummings writes that Mendoza may be a better prospect, regardless.
“Even if Manning returns to school, there are still QB prospects who could prove themselves worthy of the No. 1 overall pick. In fact, there are QB prospects better positioned than Manning to make that argument right now. One of those prospects is Fernando Mendoza.
Fernando Mendoza’s combination of anticipation, launch velocity, and layering ability can result in some pretty awesome throws. Love this laser on the crosser.
The ball explodes off his hand, and his arm elasticity / angle freedom adds even more dimensionality. pic.twitter.com/h1n7NolpGe
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) May 6, 2025
“A prototypical passer at 6’5″, 220 pounds, with a rifle arm and nimble in-pocket athleticism and twitch, Mendoza has the wicked velocity and layering to throw WRs open and elevate the passing game. He’s not an elite creator, but he assuredly has franchise QB tools.”
Saints Pair New Quarterback With SEC Wide Receiver
Having solidified the future of their quarterback position, the Saints then make things easier for their new addition. With the first pick of Day 2, Cummings sends new Auburn receiver Eric Singleton Jr. to New Orleans.
“At 5’11”, 190 pounds, Eric Singleton Jr. is a true speed and explosion specialist who can operate from the slot or the boundary. Beyond that, he knows how to use his speed and bend to stem defenders, and he can make acrobatic catches in claustrophobic situations.”
Eric Singleton Jr.
Auburn Tiger. pic.twitter.com/7J2ScFRehH
— Taylor Korn (@TaylorKornTNR) December 23, 2024
Singleton has spent his first two college campaigns with Georgia Tech but transferred to Auburn following the 2024 season. In two years at Georgia Tech, Singleton accumulated 1,468 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns, including one score on the ground.
With Rashid Shaheed scheduled for free agency in 2026 and continued question marks around Chris Olave’s future in New Orleans – and the NFL in general, Singleton could be a wise addition.