The NFL Draft may officially be in the rearview mirror, but for the New Orleans Saints and every other team across the league, the real work of roster building is just beginning. In the hours following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25, the Saints have been aggressively working the phones and the waiver wires, securing commitments from a crop of undrafted free agents who will now get their shot to earn a spot in training camp.
According to multiple sources, including Justin M (@JustinM_NFL), John Sigler of Saints Wire/USA Today, and WWL Radio, New Orleans has already locked in several UDFA signings. While the full class is still taking shape -- the Saints are expected to bring in roughly 10 to 12 undrafted rookies -- the early returns look intriguing. The goal is simple: fill out the 90-man roster with hungry, talented players who can compete for depth roles and maybe, just maybe, find the next hidden gem.
Here's a breakdown of the confirmed signings so far and what each player brings to the table.
Kentucky OT Alex Wollschlaeger -- An Immediate Developmental Tackle
The Saints are no strangers to taking swings on offensive line prospects, and Alex Wollschlaeger fits the mold of a player who could develop into a reliable swing tackle with time. At 6-foot-6 and roughly 315 pounds, Wollschlaeger has the size that NFL teams covet on the edge. He started multiple seasons at Kentucky, primarily at right tackle, and showed steady improvement in pass protection.
What stands out on tape is his hand placement and ability to anchor against power rushers. He's not the most nimble athlete in space, but he plays with a nasty streak that offensive line coaches love. In New Orleans, he'll likely compete for a spot on the practice squad or the back end of the 53-man roster. The Saints have done well developing offensive linemen in recent years, and Wollschlaeger is a candidate to follow that path.
Maryland OT Alan Herron -- Versatility Along the Line
Another offensive tackle signing, Alan Herron out of Maryland, gives the Saints a different flavor. Herron is a bit lighter on his feet than Wollschlaeger, with experience playing both tackle spots. He's known for his work in the run game, getting to the second level and sealing off linebackers. At Maryland, he faced Big Ten competition weekly, which should serve him well in a pro camp setting.
The Saints' offensive line is relatively settled with established starters, but depth is critical -- especially in a league where attrition hits every year. Herron could push for a reserve role, and his positional flexibility (he's also taken reps at guard) only increases his odds of sticking around.
Texas K Mason Shipley -- A Kicking Competition Brewing?
Perhaps the most intriguing name on the list is Texas kicker Mason Shipley. The Saints currently have a kicking situation that is far from settled. After parting ways with veteran Blake Grupe following a rocky 2025 season, the team signed kicker Ethan Evans to a futures deal this offseason. Now, with Shipley entering the mix, New Orleans appears to be creating legitimate competition for the job.
Shipley was reliable for the Longhorns, connecting on 85% of his field goal attempts in 2025, including several from 50 yards out. He also handled kickoffs, showing consistent touchback numbers. The Saints' special teams unit has been a point of emphasis under the current coaching staff, and bringing in a college kicker with a big leg makes sense. Shipley won't be handed anything, but he has the talent to push for the starting role.
NC State TE Cody Hardy -- A Two-Way Threat
Cody Hardy was a productive tight end for NC State, used both as a blocker and as a receiving option. At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, he has the frame to hold up in-line, but he also has the speed to stretch the seam. The Saints have invested in the tight end position in recent years, but there's always room for competition behind the primary options.
Hardy's best trait is his hands -- he rarely dropped passes in college and showed a knack for making tough catches in traffic. He's also willing as a blocker, which is a must if he wants to see the field in New Orleans' offense. He projects as a candidate for the practice squad, but if he impresses in camp, he could push for a spot on the active roster as a No. 3 tight end.
USC DT Keeshawn Silver -- A Potential Steal on the Interior
Keeshawn Silver was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, originally signing with North Carolina before transferring to USC. The talent has always been there, but consistency has been the question. At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, Silver is a space-eater who can clog running lanes and demand double teams.
The Saints have a strong interior defensive line rotation, headlined by Bryan Bresee and Khalen Saunders, but they need depth. Silver brings raw power and a high motor. If he can harness his technique and stay disciplined, he has the upside to not only make the roster but eventually contribute in a rotational role. This is the kind of lottery ticket that could pay off big.
Southern Illinois CB Jeremiah McClendon -- Small School, Big Talent
Jeremiah McClendon is the classic small-school prospect who dominated his level of competition. At Southern Illinois, he was a ballhawk, finishing with seven interceptions over his final two seasons. He also contributed on special teams, which is often the fastest path to a roster spot for an undrafted rookie.
McClendon has good size for a corner (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) and shows fluid hips in coverage. The jump in competition will be steep, but the Saints' secondary has some openings for young players to compete. If he can prove himself in camp and on special teams, McClendon has a legitimate shot at a practice squad or even a dime role.
What Comes Next
As of this writing, the Saints are expected to add a few more names to their UDFA class in the coming days. Typically, these signings are not announced officially until contracts are processed, but the team has historically been aggressive in identifying undrafted talent. Past UDFAs who made the Saints' roster have included key contributors like Juwan Johnson and Wil Lutz, so the front office knows the value of this process.
The 90-man roster will be finalized in time for rookie minicamp, which is expected to take place in early May. That's where these young players will get their first real taste of NFL-level coaching and competition. For the Saints, hitting on even one or two of these signings could pay significant dividends down the line.
Final Thoughts
The UDFA market is often overlooked by casual fans, but it's where championships can be quietly built. The Saints have done well here in the past, and early indications suggest the 2026 class has some legitimate talent.
Keep an eye on Alex Wollschlaeger and Keeshawn Silver -- both have the physical tools to push for roster spots. Mason Shipley will get a chance to prove he can be the Saints' kicker of the future. And for every player on this list, the message is the same: the draft is over, but the opportunity is just beginning.
We'll continue to update this tracker as more signings are confirmed. For now, Saints fans have plenty of reasons to be curious about the undrafted rookies heading to New Orleans this summer.
