The New Orleans Saints have signed their second of two third-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft.
On early Tuesday afternoon, the Saints signed former Virginia Cavaliers safety Jonas Sanker to his four-year rookie contract. This was initially revealed on the Saints team website. New Orleans has now signed seven of their nine picks from this year's draft class.
Jonas Sanker, S (Virginia)
Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (1) has a pass knocked away by Virginia Cavaliers safety Jonas Sanker (20). Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (1) has a pass knocked away by Virginia Cavaliers safety Jonas Sanker (20). Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Sanker was the 29th pick in the third round and the 93rd overall choice. He was the fifth safety selected.
A two-time 1st Team All-ACC selection, Sanker was a major contributor at Virginia for the last three seasons. He led the Cavaliers in total tackles in both of the last two years, with his 9 tackles for loss in 2024 also tops among Virginia defenders.
Sanker led the ACC in solo tackles in 2023 and 2024. Over his four-year collegiate career, he also has 2 interceptions, 9 fumbles forced or recovered, 17 passes broken up, and 2 quarterback sacks.
Virginia Cavaliers defensive back Jonas Sanker (20) breaks up a pass intended for Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Nate McCollum (8). Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Virginia Cavaliers defensive back Jonas Sanker (20) breaks up a pass intended for Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Nate McCollum (8). Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Jonas Sanker joins a New Orleans Saints defense that has veteran leader Tyrann Mathieu at the safety spot. The Saints also signed veteran safety Justin Reid in free agency this offseason.
New Orleans also re-signed safety Ugo Amadi this offseason and recently added veteran S Terrell Burgess. Special teams ace J.T. Gray and third-year safety Jordan Howden are also in the mix for roster spots at safety.
With Sanker signed, New Orleans has only two of their 2025 draft picks that remain unsigned. Second-round pick QB Tyler Shough from Louisville and third-round choice DT Vernon Broughton from Texas are the only Saints draft picks not yet under contract.