​Another year brings another opportunity for players on the New Orleans Saints roster to outperform expectations in 2026. There are a handful of names that immediately come to mind when thinking about potential breakout candidates this season. Some showed plenty of flashes a year ago and will be held to a much higher standard this time around, while other low-key additions possess plenty of “boom” potential and could make a major impact.With a fresh opportunity and several key roles still up for grabs, the stage is set for a number of players to take the next step in their development. If the Saints hope to exceed expectations this season, they’ll need a few of these guys outperform their previous seasons.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere are the Saints players with the best chance to break out during the 2026 season.Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Jonas Sanker (33) runs with the ball after a fumble against New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesExpectations are sky-high for Sanker entering his second season after an outstanding rookie campaign. With the Saints moving him into a new role in the slot, his versatility and continued development will be pivotal to the overall success and ceiling of this defense in 2026.Jul 28, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (1) heads to the practice fields for training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesPolk has been mentioned by Tyler Shough throughout the offseason as one of the players, he’s most excited to play alongside. After the Saints acquired him via trade by investing draft capital, Polk enters training camp as a player to watch and someone who could emerge as a key contributor this summer.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOct 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) runs for a gain past New Orleans Saints cornerback Quincy Riley (29) during the third quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn ImagesQuincy Riley’s development is one of the most underrated storylines for the Saints heading into the 2026 season. After putting together a solid rookie campaign, Riley has all the tools to make a significant second-year leap. If he does, he could provide the answer to one of the biggest questions surrounding the Saints’ secondary.Jul 28, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (1) during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesEmerson Jr. is one of the most intriguing players on the Saints’ roster. The former third-round pick made an immediate impact early in his career with Cleveland, and his upside is undeniable. He should provide strong competition for Quincy Riley and has a legitimate chance to earn the No. 2 cornerback spot on the outside.