New Orleans Saints News & Rumors

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/29/25

Tuesday’s minor transactions from across the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Received roster exemption (international player): WR Louis Rees-Zammit

New Orleans Saints

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

A fifth-round pick out of BYU, Hall was part of a three-quarterback solutions to a season-ending Kirk Cousins injury in 2023. Alongside Nick Mullens and Joshua Dobbs, Hall started two of three game appearances for Minnesota as a rookie, only attempting 20 passes in that time. After trading for Sam Howell to back up J.J. McCarthy, in addition to retaining Brett Rypien and signing undrafted Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer, Hall became the odd man out.

Saints Release QB Ben DiNucci

The addition of a quarterback via the draft added to the logjam at the position for New Orleans. The team’s depth chart has now be thinned, however.

Ben DiNucci announced on Tuesday he has been released. The 28-year-old joined the Saints in December in the wake of Derek Carr getting injured. DiNucci did not see any playing time down the stretch, and he will not have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp as a result of today’s move.

To close out the 2024 season, New Orleans used Spencer Rattler as a starter for six games. The 2024 fifth-rounder is joined by Jake Haener (selected in the fourth round of the 2023 draft) as a depth option behind Carr. Of course, it remains to be seen when the Saints’ starter will be available as he weighs the option of undergoing surgery on his shoulder.

As expected, New Orleans drafted a quarterback for the third consecutive year. Tyler Shough heard his name called 40th overall, and the Louisville product will compete for the backup gig during his rookie season (provided Carr is available to start the season). With that quartet of signal-callers in place – along with Hunter Dekkers as an invitee to rookie minicamp (h/t Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football) – it comes as little surprise DiNucci has been let go.

A seventh-round pick of the Cowboys in 2020, DiNucci made three appearances and one start during his rookie campaign. He has yet to see any regular season NFL action since then, and with the draft now in the books most teams’ depth charts are set for the summer. DiNucci will nevertheless turn his attention to finding a new opportunity for 2025.

Saints Sign DE Chris Rumph

The Saints have not waited long after the draft to add to their pass rush. Chris Rumph signed with New Orleans on Monday, per a team announcement.

Rumph entered the NFL as a Chargers draftee, and he played out his rookie contract in Los Angeles. The former fourth-rounder played 37 games across his first three seasons in the league, but after being placed on injured reserve during roster cutdowns last summer he missed the 2024 campaign in its entirety. This deal will no doubt come in the form of a one-year flier as a result.

Former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley is now the Saints’ defensive coordinator; that familiarity likely played a role in today’s agreement coming together. Rumph occupied a rotational role during his time in Los Angeles, with his snap share ranging from 16-33%. The 26-year-old has managed only three sacks to date, but he has proven to be a key figure on special teams.

The Saints ranked 18th in the NFL with 39 sacks last season. New Orleans still has Cameron Jordan, Chase Young, Carl Granderson and Isaiah Foskey in the fold as holdovers from last season. The team made one addition in the seventh round (Syracuse’s Fadil Diggs) during the draft, but for the most part the returnees will be tasked with handling much of the defensive workload.

Provided he is able to remain healthy in 2025, Rumph could look to carve out a part-time role for himself in New Orleans. Doing so would help his market value for next spring. For now, the Duke product’s attention will turn to locking down a roster spot during training camp.

Saints Sign 11 UDFA Rookies

The Saints drafted nine players this weekend, and they’ll brings their rookie class to 20 with their undrafted free agent crop. The 11 UDFAs joining the rookie group are:

The Saints’ most prominent signing is Yarns, a two-year starter with breakaway speed that helped him rack up 6.4 yards per carry and 34 total touchdowns in his career. He was expected to be a late-Day 3 pick, but his smaller frame may have dropped him out of the draft. He doesn’t play with the physicality to make up for his size, which comes with durability concerns after he missed two games during the 2024 season. However, his potential as a home-run hitter and natural receiving abilities will give him a chance to make the 53-man roster in the Saints’ thin running back room.

After four strong seasons at Alabama, Burnip is looking to continue the trend of Australian-born punters finding success in the NFL. He averaged 45.4 yards per punt in 2024, good for fourth in the SEC and ninth in the nation, while opposing returners averaged a national-low of 1.00 yard per return against the Crimson Tide. Burnip should have a good chance of winning the Saints’ punting job as a rookie.

Simpkins emerged as one of the best offensive linemen in the FCS over his 35 games at North Carolina Central –31 at center, four at right guard – before transferring to South Carolina to cut his teeth against SEC-level competition. He earned a team captaincy in his first year with the Gamecocks and held up well at right guard across his 13 starts in 2024, culminating in a third-team All-SEC selection.

Kilty also started his career in the FCS with starts at right guard, right tackle, and left tackle for North Dakota State. He transferred to Kansas State in 2024 and started 13 games at left tackle with second-team All-Big 12 honors. His 32-inch arms may limit him at tackle in the NFL, but offensive line coaches will appreciate his versatility.

Nikhil Mehta contributed to this story.

2025 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team

Here is every team’s haul from the 2025 NFL Draft:

Arizona Cardinals

  • Round 1, No. 16: Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
  • Round 2, No. 47: Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
  • Round 3, No. 78: Jordan Burch (OLB, Oregon)
  • Round 4, No. 115: Cody Simon (LB, Ohio State)
  • Round 5, 174 (from Cowboys)*: Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State)
  • Round 6, No. 211 (from Cowboys)*: Hayden Conner (G, Texas)
  • Round 7, No. 225 (from Jets through Chiefs): Kitan Crawford (S, Nevada)

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

  • Round 1, No. 30: Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
  • Round 2, No. 41 (from Bears): T.J. Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
  • Round 3, No. 72 (from Bears): Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
  • Round 4, No. 109 (from Bears through Bills and Bears): Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky)
  • Round 5, No. 170 (from Cowboys)*: Jordan Hancock (CB, Ohio State)
  • Round 5, No. 173*: Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)
  • Round 6, No. 177 (from Giants): Dorian Strong (CB, Virginia Tech)
  • Round 6, No. 206: Chase Lundt (T, UConn)
  • Round 7, 240 (from Vikings through Browns and Bears): Kaden Prather (WR, Maryland)

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

  • Round 1, No. 12: Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
  • Round 2, No. 44: Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE, Boston College)
  • Round 3, No. 76: Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
  • Round 5, No. 149: Jaydon Blue (RB, Texas)
  • Round 5, No. 152 (from Cardinals): Shemar James (LB, Florida)
  • Round 6, No. 204 (from Lions through Browns and Bills): Ajani Cornelius (G, Oregon)
  • Round 7, No. 217 (from Titans through Patriots): Jay Toia (DT, UCLA)
  • Round 7, No. 239 (from Packers through Titans): Phil Mafah (RB, Clemson)
  • Round 7, No. 247 (from Chiefs through Panthers): Tommy Akingbesote (DT, Maryland)

Read more

2025 NFL Draft Results By Round

From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2025 NFL Draft:

Round 1

1) Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
2) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns): Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
3) New York Giants: Abdul Carter (OLB, Penn State)
4) New England Patriots: Will Campbell (T, LSU)
5) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
6) Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
7) New York Jets: Armand Membou (T, Missouri)
8) Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
9) New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr. (T, Texas)
10) Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
11) San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
12) Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
13) Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
14) Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
15) Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
16) Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
17) Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
18) Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel (OL, North Dakota State)
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
20) Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
23) Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
24) Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
25) New York Giants (from Texans): Jaxson Dart, QB (Ole Miss)
26) Atlanta Falcons (from Rams): James Pearce (DE, Tennessee)
27) Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
28) Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
29) Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr. (T, Oregon)
30) Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
31) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chiefs): Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
32) Kansas City Chiefs (from Eagles): Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)

Round 2

33) Cleveland Browns: Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
34) Houston Texans (from Giants): Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
35) Seattle Seahawks (from Titans): Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
36) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
37) Miami Dolphins (from Raiders): Jonah Savaiinaea (G, Arizona)
38) New England Patriots: TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
39) Chicago Bears (from Panthers): Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
40) New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough (QB, Louisville)
41) Buffalo Bills (from Bears): T.J. Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
42) New York Jets: Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
43) San Francisco 49ers: Alfred Collins (DT, Texas)
44) Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE, Boston College)
45) Indianapolis Colts: J.T. Tuimoloau (DE, Ohio State)
46) Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Terrance Ferguson (TE, Oregon)
47) Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
48) Houston Texans (from Dolphins through Raiders): Aireontae Ersery (T, Minnesota)
49) Cincinnati Bengals: Demetrius Knight (LB, South Carolina)
50) Seattle Seahawks: Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
51) Carolina Panthers (from Broncos): Nic Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
52) Tennessee Titans (from Steelers through Seahawks): Femi Oladejo (OLB, UCLA)
53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
54) Green Bay Packers: Anthony Belton, T (NC State)
55) Los Angeles Chargers: Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss)
56) Chicago Bears (from Vikings through Texans and Bills): Ozzy Trapilo (T, Boston College)
57) Detroit Lions (from Panthers through Rams and Broncos): Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
58) Las Vegas Raiders (from Texans): Jack Bech (WR, TCU)
59) Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green (OLB, Marshall)
60) Denver Broncos (from Lions): R.J. Harvey (RB, Central Florida)
61) Washington Commanders: Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
62) Chicago Bears (from Bills): Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M)
63) Kansas City Chiefs: Omarr Norman-Lott (DT, Tennessee)
64) Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas)

Round 3

65) New York Giants: Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
66) Kansas City Chiefs (from Titans): Ashton Gillotte (DE, Louisville)
67) Cleveland Browns: Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, Bowling Green)
68) Las Vegas Raiders: Darien Porter (CB, Iowa State)
69) New England Patriots: Kyle Williams (WR, Washington State)
70) Detroit Lions (from Jaguars): Isaac TeSlaa (WR, Arkansas)
71) New Orleans Saints: Vernon Broughton (DT, Texas)
72) Buffalo Bills (from Bears): Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
73) New York Jets: Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
74) Denver Broncos (from Panthers): Pat Bryant (WR, Illinois)
75) San Francisco 49ers: Nick Martin (LB, Oklahoma State)
76) Dallas Cowboys: Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
77) Carolina Panthers (from Patriots): Princely Umanmielen (OLB, Ole Miss)
78) Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Burch (OLB, Oregon)
79) Houston Texans (from Dolphins through Eagles via Commanders): Jaylin Noel (WR, Iowa State)
80) Indianapolis Colts: Justin Walley (CB, Minnesota)
81) Cincinnati Bengals: Dylan Fairchild (G, Georgia)
82) Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks): Kevin Winston (S, Penn State)
83) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jacob Parrish (CB, Kansas State)
85) Kansas City Chiefs from Broncos through Panthers and Patriots): Nohl Williams (CB, Cal)
86) Los Angeles Chargers: Jamaree Caldwell (DT, Oregon)
87) Green Bay Packers: Savion Williams (WR, TCU)
88) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings): Caleb Ransaw (CB, Tulane)
89) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Texans): Wyatt Milum (G, West Virginia)
90) Los Angeles Rams: Josaiah Stewart (OLB, Michigan)
91) Baltimore Ravens: Emery Jones (T, LSU)
92) Seattle Seahawks (from Lions through Jets via Raiders): Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)
93) New Orleans Saints (from Commanders): Jonas Sanker (S, Virginia)
94) Cleveland Browns (from Bills): Dillon Gabriel (QB, Oregon)
95) New England Patriots (from Chiefs): Jared Wilson (C, Georgia)
96) Atlanta Falcons (from Eagles): Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
97) Houston Texans (from Vikings)*: Jaylin Smith (CB, USC)
98) Las Vegas Raiders (from Dolphins)*: Caleb Rogers (G, Texas Tech)
99) Las Vegas Raiders (from Giants through Texans)*: Charles Grant (T, William & Mary)
100) San Francisco 49ers*: Upton Stout (CB, Western Kentucky)
101) Denver Broncos (from Rams through Falcons and Eagles)*: Sai’Vion Jones (DE, LSU)
102) Minnesota Vikings (from Lions through Jaguars and Texans)*: Tai Felton (WR, Maryland)

Round 4

103) Tennessee Titans: Chimere Dike (WR, Florida)
104) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns): Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Virginia Tech)
105) New York Giants: Cameron Skattebo (RB, Arizona State)
106) New England Patriots: Craig Woodson (S, Cal)
107) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack Kiser (LB, Notre Dame)
108) Las Vegas Raiders: Dont’e Thornton (WR, Tennessee)
109) Buffalo Bills (from Bears through Bills and Bears): Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky)
110) New York Jets: Arian Smith (WR, Georgia)
111) Philadelphia Eagles (from Panthers through Broncos): Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
112) New Orleans Saints: Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma)
113) San Francisco 49ers: CJ West (DT, Indiana)
114) Carolina Panthers (from Cowboys): Trevor Etienne (RB, Georgia)
115) Arizona Cardinals: Cody Simon (LB, Ohio State)
116) Houston Texans (from Dolphins): Woody Marks (RB, USC)
117) Los Angeles Rams (from Colts): Jarquez Hunter (RB, Arizona)
118) Atlanta Falcons: Billy Bowman (S, Oklahoma)
119) Cincinnati Bengals: Barrett Carter (LB, Clemson)
120) Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks): Gunnar Helm (TE, Texas)
121) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Walker (OLB, Central Arkansas)
122) Carolina Panthers (from Broncos): Lathan Ransom (S, Ohio State)
123) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jack Sawyer (OLB, Ohio State)
124) Green Bay Packers: Barryn Sorrell (DE, Texas)
125) Los Angeles Chargers: Kyle Kennard (OLB, South Carolina)
126) Cleveland Browns (from Vikings through Jaguars): Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee)
127) Indianapolis Colts (from Rams): Jalen Travis (T, Iowa State)
128) Washington Commanders (from Texans): Jaylin Lane (WR, Virginia Tech)
129) Baltimore Ravens: Teddye Buchanan (LB, Cal)
130) New York Jets (from Lions, Broncos and Eagles): Malachi Moore (S, Alabama)
131) New Orleans Saints (from Commanders): Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville)
132) Chicago Bears (from Bills): Ruban Hyppolite (LB, Maryland)
133) Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Royals (WR, Utah State)
134) Denver Broncos (from Eagles through Lions and Eagles): Que Robinson (OLB, Alabama)
135) Las Vegas Raiders (from Dolphins)*: Tonka Hemingway (DT, South Carolina)
136) Tennessee Titans (from Ravens)*: Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford)
137) New England Patriots (from Seahawks)*: Joshua Farmer (DT, Florida State)
138) San Francisco 49ers*: Jordan Watkins (WR, Ole Miss)

Round 5

139) Minnesota Vikings (from Browns): Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DT, Georgia)
140) Carolina Panthers (from Giants): Cam Jackson (DT, Florida)
141) Baltimore Ravens (from Titans): Carson Vinson (T, Alabama A&M)
142) Seattle Seahawks (from Jaguars through Texans and Vikings): Rylie Mills (DT, Notre Dame)
143) Miami Dolphins (from Raiders): Jordan Phillips (DT, Maryland)
144) Cleveland Browns (from Patriots through Seahawks): Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
145) Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Mac McWilliams (CB, Central Florida)
146) New England Patriots (from Panthers): Bradyn Swinson (OLB, LSU)
147) San Francisco 49ers (from Saints through Commanders): Jordan James (RB, Oregon)
148) Los Angeles Rams (from Bears): Ty Hamilton (DT, Ohio State)
149) Dallas Cowboys: Jaydon Blue (RB, Texas)
150) Miami Dolphins: Jason Marshall (CB, Florida)
151) Indianapolis Colts: DJ Giddens (RB, Kansas State)
152) Dallas Cowboys (from Cardinals): Shemar James (LB, Florida)
153) Cincinnati Bengals: Jalen Rivers (T, Miami)
154) New York Giants (from Seahawks): Marcus Mbow (G, Purdue)
155) Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Dante Trader (S, Maryland)
156) Kansas City Chiefs (from Steelers): Jeffrey Bassa (LB, Oregon)
157) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Elijah Roberts (OLB, SMU)
158) Los Angeles Chargers: KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR, Auburn)
159) Green Bay Packers: Collin Oliver (DE, Oklahoma State)
160) San Francisco 49ers (from Vikings): Marques Sigle (S, Kansas State)
161) Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans): Smael Mondon (LB, Georgia)
162) New York Jets (from Rams through Steelers): Francisco Mauigoa (LB, Miami)
163) Carolina Panthers (from Ravens): Mitchell Evans (TE, Notre Dame)
164) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Lions through Browns, Eagles and Chiefs): Yahya Black (DE, Iowa)
165) Los Angeles Chargers (from Commanders through Eagles): Oronde Gadsden II (TE, Syracuse)
166) Seattle Seahawks (from Bills through Texans and Browns): Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State)
167) Tennessee Titans (from Chiefs): Jackson Slater (G, Sacramento State)
168) Philadelphia Eagles: Drew Kendall (C, Boston College)
169) Chicago Bears (from Bills)*: Zah Frazier (CB, Texas-San Antonio)
170) Buffalo Bills (from Cowboys)*: Jordan Hancock (CB, Ohio State)
171) Detroit Lions (from Cowboys through Patriots)*: Miles Frazier (G, LSU)
172) Los Angeles Rams (from Seahawks through Vikings)*: Chris Paul Jr. (LB, Ole Miss)
173) Buffalo Bills*: Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)
174) Arizona Cardinals (from Cowboys)*: Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State)
175) Seattle Seahawks*: Robbie Ouzts (TE, Alabama)
176) New York Jets (from Ravens)*: Tyler Baron (DE, Miami)

Round 6

177) Buffalo Bills (from Giants): Dorian Strong (CB, Virginia Tech)
178) Baltimore Ravens (from Titans): Bilhal Kone (CB, Western Michigan)
179) Miami Dolphins (from Browns through Texans): Ollie Gordon (RB, Oklahoma State)
180) Las Vegas Raiders: J.J. Pegues (DT, Ole Miss)
181) Philadelphia Eagles (from Patriots through Chargers): Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)
182) New England Patriots (from Jaguars through Lions): Andres Borregales (K, Miami)
183) Tennessee Titans (from Panthers through Ravens): Marcus Harris (CB, Cal)
184) New Orleans Saints (reacquired through Commanders): Devin Neal (RB, Kansas)
185) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Bears through Seahawks): Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
186) Baltimore Ravens (from Jets): Tyler Loop (K, Arizona)
187) Houston Texans (from 49ers through Vikings): Jaylen Reed (S, Penn State)
188) Tennessee Titans (from Cowboys): Kalel Mullings (RB, Michigan)
189) Indianapolis Colts: Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)
190) Indianapolis Colts (from Falcons through Rams): Tim Smith (DT, Alabama)
191) Philadelphia Eagles (from Cardinals through Broncos): Myles Hinton (OL, Michigan)
192) Seattle Seahawks (from Dolphins through Bears): Bryce Cabeldue (G, Kansas)
193) Cincinnati Bengals: Tahj Brooks (RB, Texas Tech)
194) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Seahawks): Jalen McLeod (LB, Auburn)
195) Chicago Bears (from Steelers and Rams): Luke Newman (G, Michigan State)
196) Detroit Lions (from Buccaneers): Ahmed Hassanein (OLB, Boise State)
197) Houston Texans (from Broncos): Graham Mertz (QB, Florida)
198) Green Bay Packers: Warren Brinson (DT, Georgia)
199) Los Angeles Chargers: Branson Taylor (G, Pittsburgh)
200) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings through Browns): Rayuan Lane (S, Navy)
201) Minnesota Vikings (from Rams): Kobe King (LB, Penn State)
202) Minnesota Vikings (from Texans through Steelers, Bears and Rams): Gavin Bartholomew (TE, Pittsburgh)
203) Baltimore Ravens: LaJohntay Wester (WR, Colorado)
204) Dallas Cowboys (from Lions through Browns via Bills): Ajani Cornelius (G, Oregon)
205) Washington Commanders: Kain Medrano (LB, UCLA)
206) Buffalo Bills: Chase Lundt (T, UConn)
207) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chiefs): Cameron Williams (T, Texas)
208) Carolina Panthers (from Eagles through Broncos): Jimmy Horn (WR, Colorado)
209) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chargers)*: Antwaun Powell-Ryland (DE, Virginia Tech)
210) Baltimore Ravens*: Aeneas Peebles (DT, Virginia Tech)
211) Arizona Cardinals (from Cowboys)*: Hayden Conner (G, Texas)
212) Baltimore Ravens*: Robert Longerbeam (CB, Rutgers)
213) Las Vegas Raiders*: Tommy Mellott (QB/WR, Montana State)
214) Los Angeles Chargers*: R.J. Mickens (S, Clemson)
215) Las Vegas Raiders*: Cam Miller (QB, North Dakota State)
216) Denver Broncos (from Browns through Texans)*: Jeremy Crawshaw (P, Florida)

Round 7

217) Dallas Cowboys (from Titans through Patriots): Jay Toia (DT, UCLA)
218) Atlanta Falcons (from Browns through Chargers): Jack Nelson (T, Wisconsin)
219) New York Giants: Thomas Fidone III (TE, Nebraska)
220) New England Patriots: Marcus Bryant (T, Missouri)
221) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonah Monheim (C, USC)
222) Las Vegas Raiders: Cody Lindenberg (LB, Minnesota)
223) Seattle Seahawks (from Saints through Eagles via Steelers): Damien Martinez (RB, Miami)
224) Houston Texans (from Bears through Texans): Kyonte Hamilton (DT, Rutgers)
225) Arizona Cardinals (from Jets through Chiefs): Kitan Crawford (S, Nevada)
226) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Panthers and Chiefs): Carson Bruener (LB, Washington)
227) San Francisco 49ers: Kurtis Rourke (QB, Indiana)
228) Kansas City Chiefs (from Cowboys through Lions via Patriots): Brashard Smith (RB, SMU)
229) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Falcons through Eagles): Donte Kent (CB, Central Michigan)
230) Detroit Lions (from Cardinals through Panthers and Broncos): Dan Jackson (S, Georgia)
231) Miami Dolphins: Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
232) Indianapolis Colts: Hunter Wohler (S, Wisconsin)
233) Chicago Bears (from Bengals): Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers)
234) Seattle Seahawks: Mason Richman (T, Iowa)
235) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tez Johnson (WR ,Oregon)
236) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Broncos through Eagles, Commanders and Texans): LeQuint Allen (RB, Syracuse)
237) Green Bay Packers (from Steelers): Micah Robinson (CB, Tulane)
238) Seattle Seahawks from Chargers through Patriots): Ricky White (WR, UNLV)
239) Dallas Cowboys (from Packers through Titans): Phil Mafah (RB, Clemson)
240) Buffalo Bills (from Vikings through Browns and Bears): Kaden Prather (WR, Maryland)
241) Denver Broncos (from Texans): Caleb Lohner (TE, Utah)
242) Los Angeles Rams (reacquired from Falcons): Konata Mumpfield (WR, Pittsburgh)
243) Baltimore Ravens: Garrett Dellinger (G, LSU)
244) Detroit Lions: Dominic Lovett (WR, Georgia)
245) Washington Commanders: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Arizona)
246) New York Giants (from Bills): Korie Black (CB, Oklahoma State)
247) Dallas Cowboys (from Chiefs through Panthers): Tommy Akingbesote (DT, Maryland)
248) New Orleans Saints (from Eagles through Commanders): Moliki Matavao (TE, UCLA)
249) San Francisco 49ers*: Connor Colby (G, Iowa)
250) Green Bay Packers*: John Williams (G, Cincinnati)
251) New England Patriots (from Chiefs)*: Julian Ashby (LS, Vanderbilt)
252) San Francisco 49ers*: Junior Bergen (WR, Montana)
253) Miami Dolphins*: Zeek Biggers (DT, Georgia Tech)
254) New Orleans Saints*: Fadil Diggs (DE, Syracuse)
255) Houston Texans (from Browns)*: Luke Lachey (TE, Iowa)
256) Los Angeles Chargers*: Trikweze Bridges (CB, Florida)
257) New England Patriots (from Chiefs)* Kobee Minor (CB, Memphis)

* = compensatory pick

Saints Add QB Tyler Shough At No. 40

Shedeur Sanders‘ drop will continue. The Saints are taking a quarterback at No. 40, leaving the Colorado prospect on the board. Instead, New Orleans is going with Louisville’s Tyler Shough.

A seven-year college arm who impressed during the pre-draft process, Shough will join a Saints team in turmoil at the position thanks to Derek Carr uncertainty. Stemming from a 2023 shoulder injury, Carr has a possible surgery in his plans. Shough now provides an immediate option for the Saints, carrying extensive experience to the Big Easy.

Shough has an NFL-ready arm with enough athleticism to extend plays behind the line of scrimmage, though that does not extend to running the ball for positive yardage. He will primarily need to improve his processing and vision to succeed in the NFL, two traits that are less developed than expected for a seven-year college player who will turn 26 years old during his rookie year.

However, Shough — who began his career as a Justin Herbert backup at Oregon — only has one full year of starting experience (2024 at Louisville) after three major injuries during his time at Texas Tech. The Cardinals’ offense averaged 36.6 points per game under Shough last year, who threw for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns with just six interceptions.

Shough interviewed well with the Saints, according to The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson, potentially earning their trust to start under center in the near-future. If Carr is sidelined to begin 2025 season, Shough will likely be pushing for a starting job right away with Spencer Rattler as his primary competition.

After bringing in a new head coach this offseason in Kellen Moore, the Saints are hoping they’ve acquired their quarterback of the future in Shough, as well. The team’s streak of drafts without using a first-round pick on a quarterback is now at 54, but Shough did not miss by much. His age will tighten his developmental window and create more pressure to take over at QB in his first two NFL seasons. He will already be 30 by the end of his rookie deal, so he’ll need to come along quickly to have a major long-term impact in New Orleans.

Saints Unlikely To Target Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders‘ stock was a talking point throughout the opening round of the draft, and after he was not selected last night that remains the case on Friday. Uncertainty continues to loom over where the Colorado quarterback will wind up.

The Giants succeeded in moving back into the Day 1 order after retaining the No. 3 pick. New York’s quarterback pursuit resulted in Jaxson Dart being picked 25th overall, a move which came after teams previously listed as potential Sanders suitors – including the Steelers – chose to go in a different direction. The Browns and Saints, as expected, used their top-10 selections along the line of scrimmage instead of taking a QB.

New Orleans is therefore among the hypothetical landing spots for Sanders or another Day 2 option. However, ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry reports the team should be expected to again steer clear of the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year tonight (video link). The second or third round looms as a feasible spot for a QB move to be made, but it was clear prior to the opening round New Orleans had done more work on Dart than Sanders. With the former no longer available, it will be interesting to see how the Saints proceed.

Derek Carr is set to handle starting duties on paper for 2025, the first season with Kellen Moore in place as head coach. Carr’s shoulder injury continues to cloud his availability for next year, though, with surgery looming as an option. Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener are both attached to their rookie contracts, and Rattler made six starts in 2024 while filling in for Carr. One or both of them could receive further looks, but it would come as no surprise if another option (such as Texas product Quinn Ewers) were to be added.

Provided that move does not consist of a Sanders selection, the list of suitors on that front will shrink. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones predicts a drop out of the second round will not be in store (video link), but he also confirms there is uncertainty regarding when Sanders’ name will be called. The Browns own picks 33 and 36, meaning they will have the opportunity to make him their long-term attempt to find a Deshaun Watson replacement. The Rams – who will need to identify a Matthew Stafford successor sometime soon – moved down to 46 last night, and they could be a team to watch regarding an addition under center.

Of course, Ewers, Jalen Milroe (Alabama) and Tyler Shough (Louisville) are other options on that front for teams eyeing a move tonight. Sanders may or may not go ahead of that trio, but it remains to be seen which strong suitors are targeting him. In any case, the Saints should not be counted among them.

2026 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

NFL teams have until May 1 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2022 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

  • Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
  • One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
  • Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th-highest salaries at their position:
    • At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
    • A 75% snap average across all three seasons
    • At least 50% in each of first three seasons
  • Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position

We covered how last year’s Pro Bowl invites affected the 2022 first-round class. With the deadline looming, we will use the space below to track all the 2026 option decisions from around the league:

  1. DE/OLB Travon Walker, Jaguars ($14.75MM): Exercised
  2. DE/OLB Aidan Hutchinson, Lions ($19.87MM): Exercised
  3. CB Derek Stingley Jr., Texans ($17.6MM): Extended through 2029
  4. CB Sauce Gardner, Jets ($20.19MM): Exercised
  5. OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux, Giants ($14.75MM): Exercised
  6. T Ikem Ekwonu, Panthers ($17.56MM): Exercised
  7. T Evan Neal, Giants ($16.69MM): Declined
  8. WR Drake London, Falcons ($16.82MM)
  9. T Charles Cross, Seahawks ($17.56MM): Exercised
  10. WR Garrett Wilson, Jets ($16.82MM)
  11. WR Chris Olave, Saints ($15.49MM): Exercised
  12. WR Jameson Williams, Lions ($15.49MM): Exercised
  13. DT Jordan Davis, Eagles ($12.94MM)
  14. S Kyle Hamilton, Ravens ($18.6MM)
  15. G Kenyon Green, Eagles* ($16.69MM)
  16. WR Jahan Dotson, Eagles** ($16.82MM): Declined
  17. G Zion Johnson, Chargers ($17.56MM)
  18. WR Treylon Burks, Titans ($15.49MM): Likely to be declined
  19. T Trevor Penning, Saints ($16.69MM): Declined
  20. QB Kenny Pickett, Browns*** ($22.12MM): Declined
  21. CB Trent McDuffie, Chiefs ($17.6MM): Exercised
  22. LB Quay Walker, Packers ($14.75MM): Likely to be declined
  23. CB Kaiir Elam, Cowboys**** ($12.68MM)
  24. G Tyler Smith, Cowboys ($20.99MM): Exercised
  25. C Tyler Linderbaum, Ravens ($20.99MM)
  26. DE Jermaine Johnson, Jets ($13.92MM): Exercised
  27. LB Devin Lloyd, Jaguars ($14.75MM)
  28. DT Devonte Wyatt, Packers ($12.94MM)
  29. G Cole Strange, Patriots ($16.69MM)
  30. DE George Karlaftis, Chiefs ($15.12MM): Exercised
  31. DB Dax Hill, Bengals ($12.68MM): To be exercised
  32. S Lewis Cine, Vikings: N/A

* = traded from Texans on March 11, 2025
** = traded from Commanders on August 22, 2024
*** = traded from Eagles on March 15, 2024; traded from Steelers on March 10, 2025
**** = traded from Bills to Cowboys on March 12, 2025

Saints Select T Kelvin Banks Jr. At No. 9

As expected, the Saints have not used the No. 9 pick to select a quarterback. Instead, help up front is coming. New Orleans has drafted Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. While Banks was often projected as a potential interior offensive lineman, the team announced him as a tackle during their selection.

Despite the inside projections, Banks was a mainstay at left tackle throughout his time in Austin. He’s actually fairly new to the position, though, as he didn’t play offensive line until he was in high school. He can struggle to hold blocks or find his targets in the run game, but he has natural pass blocking abilities, utilizing skilled feet and hand placement to establish leverage against his pass rusher.

The Saints return both starting tackles from last year in left tackle Taliese Fuaga and right tackle Trevor Penning. Neither player was stellar in their roles last year, so it would not be out of the question for Banks to supplant one of them in a starting role. Fuaga stands the best chance at retaining a starting job as he was only a rookie as last year’s first-round pick. Penning was also a first-round pick, but he was selected back in 2022 and has not truly established himself in his three years of play.

Even though the team made a point to call him a tackle in Green Bay, the Saints have a much bigger need at guard. They need to replace their starting left guard and don’t really have many doable options at the moment. Unless they plan on shifting Fuaga in to guard, Banks may need to start his NFL career on the interior.

Adam La Rose contributed to this post.