The New Orleans Saints have had a flurry of roster moves early this week.
Since Friday, the Saints have signed eight of their nine picks from the 2025 NFL Draft. After their rookie minicamp over the weekend, New Orleans also added two veterans in wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and safety Terrell Burgess along with rookie free agent quarterback Hunter Dekkers.
To make room for those additions, the Saints released running back Jordan Mims and safety Millard Bradford on Monday. On Tuesday, New Orleans also released linebacker Anfernee Orji.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles from New Orleans Saints linebacker Anfernee Orji (58). Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles from New Orleans Saints linebacker Anfernee Orji (58). Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
A two-year pro, the Saints signed Orji as an undrafted rookie out of Vanderbilt in 2023. Over his last two years with the Commodores, Orji had 200 tackles with 21 for loss, 3 sacks, an interception, and forced 4 fumbles.
Orji spent the 2023-24 season on the New Orleans practice squad. Last year, he'd appear in 16 of 17 games. Most of his snaps were on special teams, where he'd play 82% of the team's snaps.
Orji also saw some defensive action for New Orleans last year, playing 146 snaps and making two starts at linebacker. For the year, he had 30 total tackles, including 2 tackles for negative yardage.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Anfernee Orji (58) against the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
New Orleans Saints linebacker Anfernee Orji (58) against the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With the release of Orji, the Saints are looking at several new faces at linebacker. New Orleans used a fourth-round choice on Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman in addition to rookie free-agent Tyreem Powell from Rutgers. Returning after an injury-plagued rookie year is Jaylan Ford, a 2024 fifth-round choice from Texas.
The Saints also bring back star Demario Davis and dependable Pete Werner. Joining them will be core special teamers D'Marco Jackson, Isaiah Stalbird, and Nephi Sewell.