Saints have already made decision on Tyree Wilson's fifth-year option

Everyone is on the same page now that the New Orleans Saints have traded for former Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson. On Monday, Wilson spoke with the New Orleans beat in his introductory press conference and echoed some of the comments general manager Mickey Loomis shared after the trade was completed. Both sides see this as an opportunity for a fresh start in 2026 that could develop into something more down the line.

"It's always, it's always a blessing when you get to come to a place where you're wanted and you know they're happy about you, happier in the building and you know, get excited to get my career going in the right trajectory," Wilson said. He noted that constant coaching turnover in Las Vegas made it tough to go into games with a cohesive plan, and that led to his career not exactly starting as quickly as he hoped. He answered to five different head coaches since being drafted in 2023.

Earlier over the weekend, Loomis told reporters that this would be "a one-year trial and we'll see how it goes." The Saints had an opportunity to pick up Wilson's fifth-year option for 2027, but that would mean guaranteeing him $14,475,000. That's more than the cost of their fifth-year option with Bryan Bresee ($13,931,000). So they won't be picking up that option. Instead, this is a contract year for Wilson to show what he can do in a better environment with consistent coaching. If he thrives in this new role, maybe he can earn a long-term deal next spring.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints decline fifth-year option for newly-traded EDGE Tyree Wilson