It it happened once or twice it might be a coincidence, once it happens four times, there's a clear trend: The Saints are keen on bringing in USFL talent for depth roster spots.
Being that the league just began operation this year, it's no surprise that it's a bit of a different evaluation. Thus far the Saints have already signed:
- QB K.J Costello (Philadelphia Stars)
- CB Quenton Meeks (Tampa Bay Bandits)
- DL T.J. Carter (Michigan Panthers)
- CB Brian Allen (Birmingham Stallions)
The team has also worked out several USFL players who left unsigned, and head coach Dennis Allen explained one key reason why that is.
"These guys just finished playing a season, they’re in football shape and ready to go," Allen said. "And I think that’s one of the things you have to see when you bring guys in for a workout."
It's akin to a minor league setup that the NFL has never truly had outside of the college ranks.
Costello was brought in for the second time this season, having participated in the Saints' rookie minicamp earlier in the offseason. He'll provide depth in the preseason opener to make up for the absence of Jameis Winston, sidelined with a foot injury. And that availability is another key reason. If you're bringing in a player, you need them to be ready. The USFL has clearly done an effective job in that regard.
The 8-team league began in 2021, with all games played in Birmingham. A handful of New Orleans Breakers players have also landed on NFL rosters, though none with the Saints.
- CB Ike Brown, Las Vegas Raiders
- LB Christian Sam, Dallas Cowboys
- TE Sal Cannella, Green Bay Packers
- QB Kyle Sloter, Jacksonville Jaguars
"You see them in the spring and they’re playing real football," Allen said. "It’s a good evaluation."
