ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter is buying the growing optimism surrounding the New Orleans Saints. Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show Friday that he believes the Saints are on their way back after watching the energy around the organization improve throughout the offseason. More importantly, he thinks New Orleans might have found its long-term answer at quarterback in Tyler Shough.I think there have been great vibes around that team all through the offseason, Schefter said. I think theyre on the way back.Shough helped turn the Saints' season around after seizing the starting job last year. His performance down the stretch gave the team confidence that it had finally found the QB capable of leading the franchise into its next era. Schefter came away with that same impression.I think anybody that watched Tyler Shough last year recognized right away that he looks like a big hit for them, Schefter added. He looks like they got it exactly right. When you watch that guy play in the second half last year, he looked like hes going to be a big-time quarterback to me.Finding the right QB can quickly change expectations for an entire organization. Schefter says Shough's emergence gives the Saints a legitimate chance to compete for the NFC South title and return to the postseason. The Saints have not reached the postseason since the 2020 season, when they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round. But as Schefter noted, their drought could end this year.I think the Saints absolutely can win that division. I expect them to make a playoff run this year, and I think theyll be a dangerous team. Especially if you look at their schedule, its not overly daunting. They hit on that pick it looks like. Well still see. It is early. When you watched him play last year, he looked like he belonged. And if thats the case, then theyre going to be a good team for years to come, Schefter said.Shough, who started nine games as a rookie in 2025, still has plenty to prove. He completed 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns, but Schefter says the early returns suggest New Orleans finally has its quarterback.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: ESPN insider picks Saints as 'a dangerous team' in 2026