Latest news with #AlvinKamara
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Saints Make Roster Move At Running Back On Friday
Saints Make Roster Move At Running Back On Friday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New Orleans Saints have waived running back Xazavian Valladay on Friday. This was first reported by Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network on Friday afternoon. Advertisement The 26-year-old Valladay had shown some impressive flashes through New Orleans OTA sessions and minicamp this offseason. With the recent signing of veteran back Cam Akers, however, the position had become crowded and the Saints needed to make a move to create roster space. Akers joined a room that already had starter Alvin Kamara and returning veterans Kendre Miller and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The Saints also signed Velus Jones earlier this offseason and added two rookies in Devin Neal and Marcus Yarns. Nov 25, 2022; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Xazavian Valladay (1) runs against the Arizona Wildcats. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Valladay started his collegiate career at Wyoming. He rushed for over 1,000 yards twice in four seasons there, including in 2019, when he led the Mountain West Conference with 1,265 yards on the ground. Advertisement In 2022, Valladay transferred to Arizona State to cap off his collegiate career. During his one season with the Sun Devils, he led the Pac-12 with 16 touchdowns and had 1,192 yards rushing. The Houston Texans signed Valladay after he wasn't selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was released midway through preseason and picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but released again before the start of the 2023 regular season. Aug 10, 2024; New York Jets running back Xazavian Valladay (35) runs for yards against Washington. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Valladay was picked up by the New York Jets early into the 2023 campaign. He spent most of the year on the practice squad but did appear in one game. Valladay was on the Jets practice squad last year also, but released before midseason. Advertisement New Orleans signed Valladay on to their practice squad early last November. The Saints then signed him to a reserve/future contract in January before his release on Monday. Related: Saints Sign Another Player To Their Tight End Position Related: Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints Related: Trevor Penning May Have A New Home On Saints Offensive Line This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Saints' top 20 franchise leaders in games played on offense
Saints' top 20 franchise leaders in games played on offense No. 9 is in a class of his own Next up in our franchise leaders series, we turn to a stat that reflects reliability and long-term impact--ranking the top 20 players in games played on the offensive side of the ball while wearing a New Orleans Saints uniform. While the list's headliner comes as no surprise, a current Saint has quietly climbed to No. 2 -- now just two games shy of claiming the top spot, only to find himself on the defensive side of the ball. From franchise quarterbacks who defined eras, to the unheralded warriors in the trenches, and the electrifying skill players who brought the Superdome to its feet, these are the ironmen of Saints football--players who showed up, week after week, and consistently answered the call. Here's a look at the 20 most durable offensive players in Saints history: 20. OL Andrus Peat (2015-2023): 111 games played 19. RB Alvin Kamara (2017-Present): 115 games played 18. TE Josh Hill (2013-2020): 117 games played 17. RB Fred McAfee (1991-2006): 122 games played 16. RB Mark Ingram II (2011-2022): 123 games played 15. WR Devery Henderson (2004-2012): 124 games played 14. OT Willie Roaf (1993-2001): 131 games played Tied-12. TE John Tice (1983-1992): 134 games played Tied-12. QB Archie Manning (1971-1982): 134 games played 11. C John Hill (1975-1984): 138 games played 10. C Joel Hilgenberg (1984-1993): 142 games played 9. WR Eric Martin (1985-1993): 143 games played 8. C Kevin Houser (2000-2008): 144 games played 7. WR Marques Colston (2006-2015): 146 games played 6. OG Jim Dombrowski (1986-1996): 151 games played 5. OT Zach Strief (2006-2017): 158 games played 4. OG Jahri Evans (2006-2016): 169 games played 3. TE Hoby Brenner (1981-1993): 183 games played 2. OT Stan Brock (1980-1992): 186 games played 1. QB Drew Brees (2006-2020): 228 games played
New York Times
13-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Saints sign running back Cam Akers: Source
The New Orleans Saints are signing running back Cam Akers, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. Akers participated in the Saints' minicamp this week and must have impressed new coach Kellen Moore and his staff. The 2020 second-round pick spent last season with the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings and tallied a combined 512 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns in 2024. Akers began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, where he rushed for a combined 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns over the bulk of four seasons. He joins a running backs group highlighted by Saints star Alvin Kamara and former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Outside of those two, the group doesn't feature many experienced players as Kendre Miller has dealt with injuries throughout most of his career and Velus Jones Jr. has been mostly used as a receiver and special teamer throughout his career. New Orleans also used a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select running back Devin Neal out of Kansas.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Most Underrated Saints Player Highlighted By PFF
The New Orleans Saints haven't gotten much respect from oddsmakers or through the national media this offseason. Some of that is valid. The Saints are coming off a 5-12 season and four years without a playoff appearance. New Orleans has a new coach in Kellen Moore and a new opening day starting quarterback in either Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler. Advertisement The Saints do have some talent. Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed are explosive offensive threats. Erik McCoy is one of the finest centers in the game, and tackle Taliese Fuaga is a rapidly rising young talent. On defense, Demario Davis remains one of the league's best all-around defenders. Bryan Bresee is becoming a disruptive force, with defensive backs Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor looking poised to take the next step among the NFL's best. Bresee, McKinstry, Olave, and Shaheed are often overlooked in national circles. However, Pro Football Focus (PFF) identifies another New Orleans player that might be the most underrated on the Saints roster. Carl Granderson, DE Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96). Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images In an article through PFF last week, writer Jonathan Macri highlights the most underrated player on every NFL roster heading into the 2025-26 season. Former Saint David Onyemata was Macri's choice for the Atlanta Falcons. Here was why Macri identified Granderson for the Saints. ''Granderson's teammate Cameron Jordan has long been a poster boy for the league's most underrated players, but with Jordan reaching the end of his career, Granderson has taken over that lead edge defender role and is potentially an underrated player in his own right. Over the past two regular seasons, Granderson has delivered 119 quarterback pressures — the 16th most among all players at his position. He not only adds much-needed pass-rush upside, but his 80.7 PFF run-defense grade since 2022 ranks tied for 12th at the position.'' Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is pressured by New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96). Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Granderson, 28, was signed by the Saints as an undrafted rookie out of Wyoming in 2019. He was a rotational or situational player over his first four seasons. Despite limited snaps in 54 games, he still managed 14.5 sacks, 28 QB hits, and 20 tackles for loss. Advertisement Since 2023, Granderson has started all 34 contests and appeared in over 75% of the Saints' defensive snaps. In 2023, Granderson had 8.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, and 14 tackles for loss to lead the team in all three categories. Last season, Granderson's 9 stops for loss again led all New Orleans defenders. He also had 5.5 sacks and 13 QB hits to finish second on the team. New Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is expected to incorporate more 3-4 concepts in the team's defense. This may fit Granderson's best attributes even better as the Saints look to improve on a defense that ranked a lowly 30th overall and managed only 39 sacks. New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) rushes against the Green Bay Packers. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images At 6'5" and 261-Lbs., Granderson is a lengthy athlete with a long reach and excellent bend around the edge. His run defense has improved through his career, but he's most impactful to the Saints defense as a pass rusher. Advertisement New Orleans did not address their edge rusher position until the seventh round of the draft and not at all through outside free agents. They did re-sign Chase Young, who had a similar statistical output as Granderson in 2024 with 5.5 sacks, 21 QB hits, and 8 tackles for loss. The Saints logic clearly was that they expect Carl Granderson and Chase Young to be more disruptive as stand-up rushers in Brandon Staley's system. For this to work, Granderson must transform from underrated player to one of the league's most disruptive pass rushers. Related: Undrafted Delaware Back Marcus Yarns Has The Skills To Crack New Orleans Saints Roster Related: Undrafted Edge Jasheen Davis Could Add Speed That's Lacked In Saints Pass Rush Related: New Orleans Saints 2025-26 NFL Schedule Breakdown Related: Undrafted Chris Tyree Has Skills To Become Another Of The Saints Overlooked Gems Related: Rutgers Linebacker Tyreem Powell May Be An Undrafted Gem For Saints Defense Related: Undrafted Omari Thomas Looks To Continue His SEC Success With Saints
USA Today
31-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where do Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave rank among Saints' all-time receiving leaders?
Where do Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave rank among Saints' all-time receiving leaders? Our top-20 countdown rolls on with the most electrifying pass catchers in Saints history Over the course of time, New Orleans Saints pass catchers have played a vital role in some of the most glorious passing seasons ever. With countless All-Pro and Pro Bowl-level talents, many have cemented themselves in the history books as cornerstones of one of the league's most dynamic aerial attacks. From clutch playoff performances to record-setting regular seasons, these players helped elevated their respective offenses for decades. Whether it was stretching the field, making contested catches, or as security blanket for their quarterback, each of these players contributed mightily to the evolution of offense in New Orleans. Here's a look at the top 20 all-time receiving yardage leaders in New Orleans Saints history: 20. TE Dave Parks (1968-1972): 2,254 receiving yards 19. WR Michael Haynes (1994-1996): 2,368 receiving yards 18. WR Chris Olave (2022-present): 2,565 receiving yards 17. RB Pierre Thomas (2007-2014): 2,608 receiving yards 16. WR Robert Meachem (2008-2014): 2,707 receiving yards 15. WR Donte' Stallworth (2002-2005): 2,791 receiving yards 14. WR Wes Chandler (1978-1981): 2,801 receiving yards 13. WR Brandin Cooks (2014-2016): 2,861 receiving yards 12. TE Henry Childs (1974-1980): 3,224 receiving yards 11. WR Quinn Early (1991-1995): 3,758 receiving yards 10. TE Hoby Brenner (1981-1993): 3,849 receiving yards 9. WR Lance Moore (2006-2013): 4,281 receiving yards 8. WR Devery Henderson (2004-2012): 4,377 receiving yards 7. RB Alvin Kamara (2017-present): 4,762 receiving yards 6. TE Jimmy Graham (2010-2023): 4,791 receiving yards 5. WR Danny Abramowicz (1967-1973): 4,875 receiving yards 4. WR Michael Thomas (2016-2023): 6,569 receiving yards 3. WR Joe Horn (2000-2006): 7,622 receiving yards 2. WR Eric Martin (1985-1993): 7,854 receiving yards 1. WR Marques Colston (2006-2015): 9,759 receiving yards
