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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.