Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Just a couple days after opening up a roster spot with the release of offensive lineman Josh Ball, the New Orleans Saints have signed their new rotational offensive lineman.
Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed the signing after Wednesday’s practice and the Saints later announced the move via press release.
#Saints announced the signing of OT Jonathan Mendoza to a one-year deal.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) July 30, 2025
Mendoza entered the NFL this year as an undrafted free agent rookie. He spent his first three collegiate years with Yale and transferred to Louisville last season. He started most of his games at right tackle but also took snaps at left tackle protecting Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
Over the 2024 season he surrendered just a pair of sacks along with 18 total pressures. He’s a versatile player with over 800 snaps at both right and left tackle with another 295 at right guard.
Mendoza was a part of an eight-player group of tryouts on Tuesday, which included two other offensive line options. Him landing with New Orleans gives the team the depth it needs to continue to rotate through three teams’ worth of practice series. It’s unlikely that he commands a roster spot, but he’ll serve a pivotal role throughout camp and could always find his way to the practice squad.
The Westhampton Beach, N.Y. native was present at practice on Wednesday sporting Ball’s former No. 79 jersey.
