Saints Quietly Construct Post-Draft Class With 10 Undrafted Signings, Filling Depth Chart Holes Ahead of Training Camp
The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms with 10 undrafted free agents following the 2024 NFL Draft, I am told. The signings represent a strategic effort by the organization to address roster depth at multiple positions while managing significant salary cap constraints heading into the offseason.
Per sources with direct knowledge of the Saints' front office operations, the undrafted class focuses primarily on defensive line help, secondary depth, and offensive line reinforcement. This approach aligns with the priorities established during the draft process and reflects the organization's commitment to building competitive depth across both sides of the ball without further straining an already tight cap situation.
The Saints currently find themselves in one of the most challenging financial situations in the NFL entering the 2024 season. Multiple sources confirm that New Orleans carries significant dead cap hits from previous contracts, including the lingering effects of past defensive end commitments and other restructures. This reality forced general manager Mickey Loomis to be exceptionally selective during the draft itself, making undrafted free agents a critical component of the overall talent acquisition strategy this offseason.
I am told that the Saints' undrafted class includes several prospects who were projected by various NFL teams to potentially receive draft selections in the latter rounds. These players fell out of the draft for various reasons ranging from injury concerns to position flexibility questions. The Saints' scouting department identified specific tape attributes they believe can translate at the professional level, sources say.
The defensive line acquisitions represent the largest concentration within this undrafted class. Per sources, the Saints are looking to add depth behind their established defensive end group as they evaluate whether their current roster construction can sustain play-calling demands under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. The secondary signings address potential depth needs at safety and cornerback as well, with multiple sources confirming that the Saints are particularly interested in developmental cornerback prospects who can learn coverage fundamentals in a competitive environment.
One undrafted prospect, I am told, was considered by several NFL teams to be a potential late-round selection before injuries sustained during the pre-draft process raised questions about his availability. The Saints viewed this as an opportunity to acquire a prospect at minimal cost while taking on limited risk. The player's athletic profile remained intriguing enough to merit an undrafted free agent agreement with guaranteed money for practice squad considerations.
The Saints' approach to undrafted free agent acquisition reflects a broader organizational philosophy under head coach Dennis Allen. Multiple sources confirm that Allen places significant emphasis on film study and tape evaluation during the undrafted free agent signing period. The coaching staff works closely with the scouting department to identify players whose on-field performance suggests greater NFL readiness than their draft status indicated.
From a cap perspective, the undrafted signings provide immense flexibility for the organization. Per sources, each agreement includes modest guaranteed money with significant incentive structures tied to training camp performance and practice squad roster spots. This allows the Saints to evaluate talent without committing substantial resources during a season when New Orleans needs to preserve every bit of cap space for potential mid-season adjustments or emergency roster moves.
I am told that several of these undrafted players will compete directly for practice squad positions during training camp. The Saints currently have flexibility within their practice squad construction, and multiple sources confirm that the organization views training camp as the primary evaluation tool for determining which undrafted prospects warrant practice squad assignments versus immediate release.
The Saints' undrafted class also includes a player who played in college at a Group of Five program, per sources. This prospect possessed standout athletic measurables at the NFL Combine but lacked the Power Five pedigree that many draft evaluators prioritize. The Saints have historically found success in identifying these types of overlooked prospects, and sources say the current scouting staff shares that perspective.
Additionally, I am told that one undrafted signee plays a position where the Saints currently carry limited depth beyond their starter and backup. While I will not disclose the specific position due to ongoing organizational confidentiality, sources confirm that this prospect provides insurance against potential injury while offering developmental upside for the 2025 season and beyond.
The timing of these undrafted signings reflects standard NFL protocol. Per sources, the Saints worked through the immediate post-draft period to identify available prospects and negotiate basic contract terms. Multiple sources confirm that undrafted free agent agreements are typically finalized within forty-eight to seventy-two hours after the draft concludes, allowing organizations to secure their targeted prospects before other teams make competing offers.
I am told that the Saints' undrafted class represents a collective salary cap hit of approximately five hundred thousand dollars against the salary cap for the 2024 season. This modest investment allows the organization to pursue training camp competition across multiple positions without creating long-term financial obligations that could impact roster flexibility in future years.
Sources with knowledge of the organization's strategy confirm that these undrafted acquisitions serve another critical purpose beyond immediate roster help. The signings provide additional bodies for training camp evaluation, allowing the coaching staff and scouts to observe a larger pool of talent in competitive situations. This extended evaluation window often reveals prospects who develop into valuable roster contributors in future seasons.
The Saints have historically demonstrated success with undrafted free agent acquisitions. Multiple sources point to previous seasons when undrafted prospects earned roster spots and contributed meaningfully to team success. This track record influences the current front office's confidence in the undrafted evaluation process, per sources.
From a draft strategy perspective, these undrafted signings complement whatever selections the Saints made during the formal draft process. Per sources, the organization viewed the undrafted period as an extension of their overall talent acquisition strategy rather than a separate initiative. This integrated approach maximizes the organization's ability to address roster needs while respecting salary cap limitations.
I am told that all ten undrafted agreements include standard NFL practice squad language allowing the Saints flexibility to assign players to the practice squad or release them outright depending on training camp performance. Multiple sources confirm that the organization retains significant discretion in determining final practice squad composition once training camp concludes.
The Saints will now enter training camp with an expanded roster representing a mix of draft selections and undrafted acquisitions. Per sources, the coaching staff will utilize the first two weeks of training camp to evaluate which undrafted prospects possess sufficient NFL readiness to warrant ongoing roster consideration.
What to watch from here: The Saints' undrafted class performance during training camp will provide the first meaningful evaluation opportunity for these prospects. Sources confirm that particularly strong performances could result in practice squad assignments or emergency roster elevation opportunities during the regular season. The question becomes whether any of these ten undrafted free agents can develop into contributors for a Saints organization trying to maximize competitive advantage while operating under significant financial constraints.