METAIRIE, La. (WLOX) — The New Orleans Saints opened their 2026 rookie minicamp in Metairie, Louisiana, on Friday afternoon, and familiar faces are seeking to make an impact at the NFL level.
Former Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton was among the 55 players in attendance for Day 1 of the Saints’ rookie minicamp. After shining in New Orleans’ pro day, Braxton is one of three quarterbacks in the building as he looks to impress the Saints’ staff.
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“Honestly, it’s been a surreal experience just getting out here and being able to play football again, being around a bunch of people with the same goal as me, trying to make an NFL team and trying to continue this journey playing football,” said Braxton. “It’s been a great experience, and I thank the New Orleans Saints very much for bringing me in.”
Former Southern Miss QB Braylon Braxton is the lone rookie quarterback in attendance at #Saints rookie minicamp.
Braxton shared what he’s learned from veteran QBs Kyle Trask and Easton Stick: pic.twitter.com/KEO6WrUdlE
— Matt DeGregorio (@Matt_DeGregorio) May 8, 2026
“We had good exposure from our Saints local day,” said Saints head coach Kellen Moore. “He came in to work with us, had a great workout, and we wanted a few extra quarterbacks. So, he’s able to get in there and, you know, we’ve got these veteran guys that have played, but obviously he’s got great exposure and it was great to have him.”
Braylon Braxton is one of three quarterbacks trying out for the #Saints at rookie minicamp.
I asked Kellen Moore what enticed him to bring the USM alum into the building: pic.twitter.com/aDkLEO14V9
— Matt DeGregorio (@Matt_DeGregorio) May 8, 2026
Braxton was throwing to first-round pick Jordyn Tyson, who was among three different wide receivers selected by the Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tyson says he is healthy and ready to make an impact for the black and gold.
“It’s been pretty cool,” said Tyson. “Just trying to do my rookie duties and just learn all the plays and try to soak in as much information as I possibly can. That’s really about it, but I’m loving the area. I’m back in the South, so I’m happy.”
“I think it’s fun to see those guys move around,” added Moore. “He had such limited exposure. He had that little quick, 11-route pro day or something, so there wasn’t a whole lot there. It’s fun to just see those guys back out there just playing football. Obviously, you can see his body move... he can really go. He’s got some suddenness, he’s got some elusiveness, and you can see his body moves pretty well, so it’ll be a fun process for him.”
After suffering a season-ending injury last year, Martin Emerson Jr. elected to sign with the New Orleans Saints.#Saints HC Kellen Moore shared his thoughts on the former Mississippi State defensive back: pic.twitter.com/kENk3YN4eP
— Matt DeGregorio (@Matt_DeGregorio) May 8, 2026
Also in attendance this week is Pearl native Sam Brumfield, who grew up a Saints fan and is currently living out his dream as he looks to get an invitation to OTAs.
“It was a no-brainer with it being two-and-a-half hours from home,” said Brumfield. “That was no question. When [my agent] got to talking to me, they were like, ‘Hey, do you want to come to camp and try out?’ I was like, ‘Hey, why not?’ This is a team that I grew up watching, and I just wanted to come in and just take advantage of the opportunity.”
Day 2 of the Saints’ rookie minicamp will continue on Saturday as players look to earn a spot in training camp.
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