News Summary
The New Orleans Saints are preparing for the upcoming NFL season with new head coach Kellen Moore at the helm. With star players Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara set to lead the team, competition for roster spots intensifies. Kevin Austin Jr., a promising wide receiver, aims to secure a spot on the 53-man roster after a standout performance in the UFL and a solid showing in his first NFL season. As the Saints finalize their roster, Austin’s ability to combine athleticism with blocking skills could be crucial for the team’s success.
New Orleans – The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season under new head coach Kellen Moore, who is expected to lead a series of competitive roster battles as the team prepares for its upcoming campaign. With established stars like Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara assured of their positions, several other roles on the team remain uncertain, creating a landscape ripe for emerging talents. Among those eyeing a spot on the initial 53-man roster is wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr., who has been identified as a potential breakout star.
At 25 years old, Austin has already proven his capability as a receiver during his time with the United Football League’s Birmingham Stallions, where he recorded 15 receptions on 23 targets for 253 yards and two touchdowns. His impressive performance in the UFL has raised expectations for his contributions with the Saints.
After signing a one-year deal with the Saints ahead of the 2024 preseason, Austin initially did not make the final 53-man roster and was waived during the team’s final cuts. However, he quickly re-signed to the Saints’ practice squad the following day and secured a standard NFL contract by Week 14 of the season. In his eight appearances during the 2024 season, he achieved 11 receptions on 21 targets, culminating in 151 yards, ten first downs, and two contested catches.
With a height of 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 200 pounds, Austin’s physical attributes stand out in a receiving corps that currently lacks taller options. He clocked a remarkable 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine, earning a 9.89 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of 10.00. This score ranks him among the top 29 wide receivers from 1987 to 2022, highlighting his athletic potential.
Austin is also recognized for his blocking skills, an asset that could prove beneficial in Moore’s offensive strategies. Despite showcasing impressive stats, doubts lingered about Austin’s future in the league after he was initially left off the Saints’ roster. His journey to the NFL began with an undrafted status in the 2022 NFL Draft following a limited college career at Notre Dame, where he managed seven touchdown receptions in his final season with the Fighting Irish. Post-draft, he briefly joined the Jacksonville Jaguars before moving on to the UFL.
Now, with a full offseason to acclimate to Moore’s offensive scheme, Austin is eager to leverage his athleticism and skills to secure a permanent spot on the Saints’ roster for the 2025 season. The Saints are set to announce their initial 53-man roster before their season opener at home against the Arizona Cardinals, and Austin will be wearing number 81 as he embarks on his second season with the franchise.
As the Saints enter this pivotal season, the focus will be not only on established talents like Olave and Kamara but also on potential stars like Kevin Austin Jr., offering a dynamic element to the team’s future aspirations.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Notre Dame WR Dark Horse
- Google Search: Kevin Austin Jr. New Orleans Saints
- Canal Street Chronicles: Dark Horse Candidates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kevin Austin Jr.
- Yardbarker: Saints Dark Horse Roster Candidate
- Google News: New Orleans Saints 2025 Season
