Saints sign UDFA DE Michael Heldman

TL;DR

The New Orleans Saints have signed undrafted free agent DE Michael Heldman from Central Michigan. Heldman, a 23-year-old with impressive college stats, offers significant potential as a pass rusher and run defender.

Key points

New Orleans Saints signed DE Michael Heldman
Heldman played five seasons at Central Michigan
He earned first-team All-MAC honors in 2025
Heldman recorded 19.0 sacks and 120 tackles in college
He posted a 9.88 Relative Athletic Score

Mentioned in this story

Michael Heldman

New Orleans SaintsCentral Michigan Chippewas

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 13: Bryce Underwood #19 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates his first half touchdown run with teammates behind Michael Heldman #97 of the Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images The New Orleans Saints have signed Central Michigan undrafted free agent DE Michael Heldman.

The 23-year-old Romeo, MI native spent all five seasons of his college career with the Chippewas after redshirting his freshman season in 2021, appearing in 53 games with 42 starts. Heldman totaled 120 tackles (64 solo), 34.5 tackles for loss for 137 yards, 19.0 sacks for 99 yards, 132 total pressures, five pass breakups and four forced fumbles over that span. Heldman earned first-team All-MAC honors as a redshirt senior this past season, recording 48 total tackles (24 solo), four pass breakups, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 16 tackles for loss. He posted a 92.9 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking first among 852 qualifying edge rushers in 2025. His 92.9 pass-rush grade ranked third at the position, while his 86.7 run-defense grade ranked 11th. He also generated 53 total pressures as a pass rusher and recorded 25 solo tackles against the run. At six-foot-four, 260 pounds with 32-inch arms, Heldman is an athletic freak. He posted a 9.88 Relative Athletic Score, ranking 26th out of 2,105 EDGE prospects since 1987. At Central Michigan’s pro day, Heldman ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, along with a 40-inch vertical, a 10-foot-3 broad jump, 29 bench press reps, a 4.34 short shuttle and a 7.05 three-cone drill. He’s a highly productive, high-motor defender who consistently finds ways to impact the game as both a pass rusher and run defender. Adding a player with his athletic profile and proven production provides the Saints a valuable depth piece with developmental upside at a key position, while also providing a potential rotational piece who could grow into a larger role over time.

Q&A

What are Michael Heldman's college statistics?

Michael Heldman recorded 120 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, and 19.0 sacks during his college career at Central Michigan.

How did Michael Heldman perform at Central Michigan's pro day?

At Central Michigan's pro day, Heldman ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash and achieved a 40-inch vertical jump, showcasing his athleticism.

What is Michael Heldman's potential role with the New Orleans Saints?

Heldman is expected to provide depth and developmental potential at the defensive end position, with the possibility of evolving into a rotational player.