The New Orleans Saints officially closed the book on their 2026 draft class on May 11, 2026, by signing third-round tight end Oscar Delp to his four-year rookie contract. The deal, believed to be worth approximately $7.2 million with a $1.7 million signing bonus, locks in the Georgia product as the final piece of an eight-man class that now has seven players under contract.
Delp, selected with the 73rd overall pick, is currently the last of the Saints' signings from this year's draft. All other draft picks except second-round defensive tackle Christen Miller have signed contracts as of May 17, 2026. The signing was confirmed by the team and contract tracking sites such as Spotrac and OverTheCap, marking a methodical completion of the rookie contract process for general manager Mickey Loomis and his staff.
A Tight End with Upside
Delp enters New Orleans with a pedigree that commands attention. A three-year contributor at the University of Georgia, he was part of a Bulldogs program known for producing NFL talent across many positions. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing roughly 245 pounds, Delp offers the physical frame that offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier can utilize in both the passing game and blocking schemes.
The Saints utilized their third-round pick on Delp in a deep tight end class in the 2026 NFL Draft. His skill set is suited for the modern NFL tight end role. At Georgia, he demonstrated reliable hands and the ability to create separation on intermediate routes. While his usage was shared in a loaded Georgia offense, the experience of playing in a pro-style system with rotational roles should help ease his transition into the Saints' offense.
Head coach Kellen Moore has emphasized versatility and matchups in his offensive philosophy. Delp projects as a multi-positional player capable of lining up inline, in the slot, or occasionally split wide. His capacity to contribute in diverse alignments is key as the Saints build a tight end room featuring veterans Noah Fant and Juwan Johnson, alongside developmental prospects like Moliki Matavao and Treyton Welch.
Cap Management and Rookie Pool Impact
The rookie contract structured for Delp exemplifies the Saints' diligent management of their salary cap under Loomis. The approximate $7.2 million total value and just under $2 million signing bonus mean Delp's Year 1 cap hit is manageable, likely between $1.2 million and $1.5 million depending on deal specifics such as offsets and guarantees.
This fiscal prudence is significant given the Saints' offseason additions including running back Travis Etienne Jr., defensive end Chase Young, and cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. The flexibility granted by efficient rookie deals allows New Orleans to maintain cap space as it moves toward training camp and beyond.
The only remaining unsigned draft pick, second-round defensive tackle Christen Miller, is expected to sign imminently. Negotiations for second-round contracts often involve more discussion about guarantee structure and offsets, but there are no public indications of any conflict. With plenty of offseason time remaining before camp, the Saints have ample runway to finalize Miller's deal.
What Delp Brings to the Offense
Examining the Saints' tight end depth chart clarifies why the team invested a high draft pick at the position. Fant is a dynamic receiving threat capable of stretching the field with speed, and Johnson offers dependable hands and blocking ability. Behind them, the group is relatively unproven. Developmental players Matavao and Welch are still progressing, while Zaire Mitchell-Paden is mainly a blocking specialist.
Delp fits in as a player who could earn immediate snaps in two-tight end formations. Moore's offensive schemes, developed during his tenure in Dallas and now at New Orleans, regularly feature multi-tight end sets designed for matchup advantages. With Delp added to the mix, Nussmeier can deploy Fant as a move tight end, Johnson in a traditional Y tight end role, and Delp functioning as an H-back or F-tight end who flexes and shifts across formations.
While Delp's blocking technique will require refinement at the professional level, his physicality and willingness demonstrated at Georgia suggest he can be effective in the run game. In a competitive division with stout defensive fronts such as the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, having a tight end capable of sealing edges and executing blocks is vital.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 draft class nearly fully signed and integrated, the Saints now turn their full attention to organized team activities and the installation of Moore's offensive system. Quarterback Spencer Rattler enters his second season as the presumed starter, and the addition of a versatile pass-catching tight end will be an important asset for his development.
The team features strong receiving options on the outside, including Chris Olave, Trey Palmer, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Devaughn Vele, complemented by a deep running back room led by Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, and Audric Estime. Delp adds a reliable short-to-intermediate passing target who can help sustain drives and serve as a dependable outlet.
The Saints have a history of emphasizing tight end play, from the days of Jimmy Graham and Jared Cook to the current veteran presence of Juwan Johnson. The acquisition and signing of Oscar Delp represents a blend of present utility and future potential. Though not the flashiest name in the 2026 draft class, Delp has the tools to become a significant contributor for the franchise.
As the offseason progresses, the Saints' roster inventory is coming into sharper focus. With Oscar Delp's contract now official, general manager Mickey Loomis and his staff can turn their focus to the final piece: getting second-round defensive tackle Christen Miller signed and ready for the upcoming season.
The Saints appear well-positioned to continue their competitive efforts in the NFC South, with a young, versatile offense bolstered by promising rookie talent like Delp. The upcoming months will reveal how these pieces fit together as New Orleans prepares for training camp and the 2026 NFL campaign.