The New Orleans Saints have signed nearly a dozen rookie free agents as they approach rookie minicamp. While none are guaranteed a spot, a few have a chance to make the 53-man roster.
Key points
Saints signed nearly a dozen rookie free agents
None are considered roster locks
Only two rookie free agents made the team last year
Alan Herron is on the bubble for a roster spot
New Orleans SaintsAlan HerronTorricelli Simpkins IIIKai Kroeger
It wasn't a big year for the New Orleans Saints in undrafted free agency, at least not compared to the teams signing 15 or 20 rookie free agents. But the Saints are trying to make the most of the players they did have room for. They're closing in on a dozen signings as rookie minicamp draws closer.
However, that raises another question: Just how many of these UDFAs are going to make the 53-man roster? Just two of them made the cut last year between guard Torricelli Simpkins III and punter Kai Kroeger. None of this year's crop would be described as roster locks, but there are a couple of guys on the bubble between making the team and being waived. Most of them are long shots. We've already gone through the entire roster on a position-by-position basis after the draft, but here's a look at each rookie free agent and what they must do to make the team.
Alan Herron, OT, Maryland
Status: On the bubble
We're putting Herron on top of the list because he's received more reported guarantees than anyone else; $272,500, which is more guaranteed money than some draft picks will get. That suggests he's at least promised a spot on the practice squad. If he can meet expectations over the summer, he could earn a roster spot as a backup just like Torricelli Simpkins III did last year. But he's got to earn it.
Mason Shipley, K, Texas
Status: On the bubble
If not for Herron, Shipley would be our pick for most-likely to make the team. That's because it's a two-man race for this roster spot. It'll either be Shipley or Charlie Smyth kicking for the Saints in the fall. We've seen a different punter start each year for in the last half-decade and it shouldn't surprise us if Shipley wins that battle at training camp. Smyth had some good moments in his NFL debut but he didn't do enough to lock in the starting job this season.
Q&A
Which rookie free agents are likely to make the Saints' roster?
Several rookie free agents are on the bubble, but none are considered roster locks at this time.
How many rookie free agents did the Saints sign this year?
The Saints signed nearly a dozen rookie free agents as they prepare for rookie minicamp.
What is the history of Saints rookie free agents making the team?
Last year, only two rookie free agents made the Saints' 53-man roster, highlighting the competitive nature of the selection process.
Who are the notable rookie free agents for the Saints this season?
Alan Herron, an offensive tackle from Maryland, is one of the notable rookie free agents currently on the bubble.
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Heldman is an exciting prospect after his breakout 2025 season (16.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks in 13 games), and his high-level athleticism suggests he has even more untapped potential. We'll find out if he can play at the pro level when practices kick off later this summer. He's got to outcompete other backups (Chris Rumph II, Fadil Diggs and Myles Cole) as well as recent pickups like Tyree Wilson and Anfernee Jennings. That's easier said than done.
Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
Status: Long shot
Harris is one of three interior linemen the Saints added as rookie free agents, and he may have the most appealing athletic traits of the bunch at 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds. He was a regular part of the Rebels' rotation the last three years but his game lacks refinement both in run defense and in rushing the passer. If he can get healthy (he had to undergo foot surgery in March), keep his head on straight (he was arrested twice in college), and take well to coaching, he could earn a roster spot at a crowded position group. But that's a lot of qualifiers.
Keeshawn Silver, DT, USC
Status: Long shot
Here's another defensive lineman to watch. The Saints guaranteed about $50,000 of Silver's rookie contract, which isn't nothing, but it also doesn't lock him in for a roster spot come September. They're betting he can make more plays with his athletic gifts than we saw at a couple of different stops in college (at North Carolina, Kentucky, and USC). But as is the case for Harris, he's facing a lot of competition. Highly-drafted players like Christen Miller and Vernon Broughton are in the mix with reliable veterans including Bryan Bresee, Nathan Shepherd, Davon Godchaux and John Ridgeway III.
CJ Donaldson, RB, Ohio State
Status: Long shot
It was a bit of a surprise to see the Saints wait so long to add a running back, but Donaldson offers some traits other rushers lack. He's a surprisingly adept pass catcher for a 6-foot-2, 230-pound running back given his background as a high school wide receiver recruit, but New Orleans will be looking to see if he can be an effective rusher between the tackles and in short-yardage situations. He scored 40 touchdowns in 45 games. If he can be the reliable third-and-short rusher the Saints tried to will Taysom Hill and Kendre Miller into being last year, he could have a real chance.
Alex Wollschlaeger, OT, Kentucky
Status: Long shot
Here's an interesting one. Wollschlaeger is a four-year starter between his time at Bowling Green and Kentucky, with just 10 sacks allowed on more than 1,800 career snaps in pass protection. He may need to show some versatility with practice reps at guard or left tackle after spending his entire college career at right tackle.
McClendon showed he has real ball skills in college with 24 passes defensed, and he's a willing tackler in run defense, which will definitely appeal to the coaching staff. You just have to wonder if he has the speed and size to hang with NFL receivers.
Dashawn Jones, CB, Alabama
Status: Long shot
New Orleans had a lot of cornerbacks on the roster before they signed a couple of rookie free agents -- and a veteran coming off an injury in Martin Emerson. Jones does have some experience in the slot and lining up outside, but not many reps on special teams. He'll need to show he can cover punts and kickoffs to make the cut.
Jayviar Suggs, DT, Wisconsin
Status: Long shot
Suggs has some skill as a pass rusher, and that quick get-off could give him an edge in one-on-one drills at training camp. The question is whether his all-around game is strong enough to leap ahead of other guys on the depth chart.
