The New Orleans Saints added a fourth quarterback to their 90-man offsesason roster, and the move cost them a linebacker who played a key role on their special teams in 2024.
Undrafted rookie quarterback Hunter Dekkers now joins a Saints group that includes fellow youngsters Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. The 6-foot-6 Dekkers recently participated in the Saints rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
To make room for Dekkers, the Saints waived linebacker Anfernee Orji, who initially signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Orji appeared in 16 games with the Saints last season with two starts. He played 82 % of the Saints' special teams snaps, and he ranked second on the team with six special teams tackles.
Dekkers began his career at Iowa State, where he was a backup to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. He started 12 games in 2022, but stepped away from the program after he pleaded guilty to a charge of underage gambling — which included a wager he placed on his own team.
He finished his college career at Iowa Western last season.
New Orleans has now added three players who participated in last weekend's rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, with Dekkers joining receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and safety Terrell Burgess.