Training camp has arrived around the NFL. For the New Orleans Saints, many position battles can be won and lost during this year’s practices and drills. The wide receiver position is one to watch when it comes to positional battles for New Orleans in 2024.
Now, they are adding some more competition to the room. The veterans will have their hands full.
The Saints are signing a former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver to bolster their depth at the position.
Saints sign former UFL WR Kevin Austin Jr.
Saints have signed former Birmingham Stallions and Jacksonville Jaguars WR Kevin Austin Jr. to a one-year deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2024
Austin signed one of the largest guaranteed contracts of any undrafted free agent after the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent the following season on the Jaguars practice squad. Last year, he played for the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL.
The big-body WR dominated for Notre Dame in his final season in college, totaling 48 receptions for 888 yards (18.5 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns. Austin is 6’2 and made a living on downfield throws during his college and UFL days.
Saints need someone to step up at WR for depth
The Saints could use that sort of jump-ball specialization in an offense that will try to push the ball downfield more often under new OC Klint Kubiak. Derek Carr is also a quarterback who excels at throwing the ball deep when given time.
WR Kevin Austin 👀
Lots of throw it up shot plays and incredible adjustments/tracking (Seemed to run a better route tree in bowl game 🤷🏻♂️)
But he is SO STRONG. Plays through contact well and his speed gets CBs to panic downfield. Drew 5 DPIs & 2 Defensive Holds this season alone pic.twitter.com/LTM21Kl1FO
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 20, 2022
The signing by New Orleans gives them another bigger option at wideout, alongside A.T. Perry, Cedrick Wilson, Bub Means, and others. The competition is certainly ramping up.
Austin will have plenty of time to prove his value over the next two months. Strong performances in the preseason could land him a role with the offense. He’s still just 24 years old.
Overall, Austin could prove himself worthy of one of the roster spots down the depth chart for the Saints. Only time will tell.
