Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
While the most well-known NFL players are consistently celebrated, some fly under the radar despite giving over some major contributions. One player that has started to breakthrough for the New Orleans Saints while going often unnoticed is second-year cornerback Rico Payton.
The Pittsburg State defender landed as an undrafted free agent last year and while he struggled early in Saints’ training camp, took his game to an entirely different level in the preseason, landing him a spot on the regular season roster.
During the 2024 preseason, Payton missed only one tackle and allowed a catch percentage of just 23.1% (3/13) as the closest coverage defender. He also notched four pass break ups and forced a 65.2 passer rating in the process, per Pro Football Focus. He also added a sack against then-Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis.
Rico Payton comin’ in hot
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/ANvLbkt8R5
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 25, 2024
Payton made the active roster without much question at all and while he didn’t get to immediately contribute on defense while buried in a talented cornerbacks room, he found his path to impact through special teams.
The speedy corner proved to be an outstanding gunner in punt coverage, often meeting safety and special teams captain J.T. Gray at the opposing punt returner.
In 2025, he may be a part of a crowded defensive back room, but Payton feels pretty close to being a lock on the roster just like his counterparts Kool-Aid McKinstry, Isaac Yiadom, and Alontae Taylor.
His name may not often be spoken of, but Payton is one of the reasons the Saints feel good about their cornerback room. Which says a lot considering the team lost two starters since Week One of last year.
