The New Orleans Saints have officially locked in their entire 2026 draft class, signing second-round defensive tackle Christen Miller to a four-year deal over the weekend. It’s a move that comes with far less drama than in recent years—no last-minute negotiations, no tense standoffs. Miller’s signing marks the final piece of the Saints’ eight-man draft class, and it’s a welcome relief for a team that’s been navigating a tight salary cap situation.

In the past, second-round contract guarantees have been a hot-button issue, with agents and teams often butting heads until the final hours before training camp. The Saints have seen these deals stretch from late May all the way to mid-July. But this time, Miller’s contract came together weeks—if not months—ahead of schedule. That’s a win for the front office and a sign of smoother sailing ahead.

Now, the big question isn’t “when will Miller sign?” but “what does this mean for the Saints’ salary cap?” Let’s break it down.

After signing seven of their eight draft picks and restructuring linebacker Pete Werner’s contract, Over The Cap estimated the Saints had about $9.07 million in cap space. Miller’s 2026 cap hit is projected to be around $2.16 million. Since only the top 51 cap hits count toward the salary cap during this time of year, Miller’s deal will push wide receiver Mason Tipton’s $1.07 million hit off the list. The result? The Saints now have roughly $7.98 million in available cap space.

That’s enough to add a couple of minimum-salary players before training camp and handle in-season roster moves, but it doesn’t leave much room for big splashes. The Saints are still working on a long-term extension for star wide receiver Chris Olave, which could lower his massive $15.49 million cap hit in 2026—currently the highest on the team. Meanwhile, these rookie contracts will shape the cap outlook for years to come:

• 2026: $7.98 million in cap space (with a $301.2 million salary cap)
• 2027: $48.94 million in cap space (estimating a $327 million salary cap)
• 2028: $194.95 million in cap space (estimating a $352 million salary cap)
• 2029: $307.53 million in cap space (estimating a $378 million salary cap)

Those future years look promising, but the immediate challenge is clear: the Saints have just enough flexibility to stay afloat this season. For a team with playoff aspirations, every dollar counts—and every smart signing like Miller’s helps build a foundation for the future.