After starting the season 5–2, the Saints fell into a five game losing streak after losing starting quarterback Jameis Winston to a torn ACL in Week 8 vs. Winston's former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Despite winning four of their last five games, the Saints missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 after the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18.

The team started a record of 58 different players (due to injuries and COVID-19) and ranked in the bottom 5 in total offense.

A 13-time Pro Bowler, Brees broke several records during his tenure in New Orleans, led the franchise to its first and only Super Bowl win in Super Bowl XLIV and also retired as the league's all-time leader in passing yards, a record that would be broken by quarterback Tom Brady in Week 4 of the 2021 season against his former team, the New England Patriots.

Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve The Saints' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.

Despite being in Jacksonville due to the impacts of Hurricane Ida, the Saints still started their regular season 1–0 with the victory against Green Bay.

Jameis Winston notched his first win as a Saints quarterback and set an odd record for least yards thrown (148) in a 5 passing TD game since 1948.

With Sam Darnold as the Panthers starting quarterback, the Saints struggled with turnovers and scoring.

The Saints returned to the Superdome shortly after repairs from the hurricane and fire from a pressure washer mishap, but ultimately lost to the Giants in overtime due to Aldrick Rosas missing field goals.

Suffering their first loss to the Giants since 2016, it also dropped their record to 2–2 and prompted the team to cut Rosas for a replacement kicker.

The Saints match up with Washington for the first time since the 2018 season, but face quarterback Taylor Heinicke due to Ryan Fitzpatrick's injury in Week 1.

The Saints also brought in Cody Parkey, who missed a few field goals or PAT's.

For the first time since the 2013 season, the Saints play the Seahawks on a Monday Night game.

Jameis Winston was hurt after a horse-collar tackle slammed him to the ground, prompting Trevor Siemian to start for the rest of the game and beyond.

Despite the Buccaneers being the defending Super Bowl champions from last season, the Saints still swept them.

Taysom Hill also got hurt, prompting Trevor Siemian to start for the remainder of the game.