By Ross Jackson
From meetings at the NFL Combine to dinner and pro day visits, the New Orleans Saints and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty have been in conversations all offseason according to the young playmaker.
During Jeanty’s pro day Wednesday, the running back spoke to Saints assistant head coach and running backs coach Joel Thomas off to the side of the field. In an interview following the team’s showcase, Jeanty told reporters about his connections with the Saints this offseason.
What level of interest do the #Saints have in former #BoiseState RB Ashton Jeanty?
New Orleans running back coach Joel Thomas traveled up to Boise this week. Prior to Pro Day today, Thomas and Jeanty went out to dinner last night.
“I’ve definitely been in communication with… pic.twitter.com/e7eO1cEd8y
— Jay Tust (@KTVBSportsGuy) March 27, 2025
“I’ve talked to the Saints a little bit,” the Heisman finalist said. “I had dinner with the running back coach last night. Met with them at the combine. So, [I’ve] definitely been in communication with them during the process.”
The Saints’ new head coach Kellen Moore is a former Boise State quarterback, which has drawn a lot of speculation and connections between Jeanty and the team. While the 2,601-yard rusher from 2024 hasn’t been in as much contact with Moore, he has received more than his fair share of attention from the team.
The Saints hold the No. 9 overall pick in the first round, putting them in position to draft Jeanty, who is expected to be a top-10 draft pick. They could also be in striking distance for a trade up should the team decide it doesn’t want to risk Jeanty being scooped up earlier. The Las Vegas Raiders are often listed as a potential match for the rusher, as they select at No. 6.
New Orleans has its starting running back in star Alvin Kamara, but behind him, questions remain. One-year deals for veterans Velus Jones Jr. and Clyde Edwards-Helaire as well as young backs Jordan Mims and Xazavian Valladay put them in position to compete for roster spots, but nothing is promised. Meanwhile, third-year back Kendre Miller has shown flashes, but still has durability questions looming over his outlook.
