Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
One of the New Orleans Saints’ highest profile roster cuts is still available on the open market, defensive end Isaiah Foskey.
At roster cutdown day, the Saints waived Foskey just two years into his contract after being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Entering the league as Notre Dame’s all-time sack leader (26.5), expectations were sky-high for the No. 40 overall selection. However, since arriving in New Orleans, Foskey never found a way to reach his potential.
During the 2023 and 2024 combined regular seasons, Foskey appeared for just 149 defensive snaps and generated only just three pressures, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). In the 2025 preseason, he saw 112 defensive snaps achieving a single quarterback hurry.
New Orleans made a tough decision moving on from a lofty investment. But with a new coaching staff and system in place, there were hopes that he would be able to seize the opportunity by showing growth in a defensive scheme that was expected to fit his skill set.
Perhaps just as surprising as the decision to waive the 6-foot-5, 260 pound athletic pass rusher was the decision to then not bring him back to the practice squad.
Since Foskey cleared waivers without teams looking to add him to their active roster, (a requirement when claiming players) he became a free agent capable of choosing his next destination either on an active roster or practice squad where interest was available.
However, days later, he has not yet signed with a team.
That could be because he is trying to pick the best offer or perhaps is waiting for a specific offer. But until Foskey lands with a team, he will be a sizable “what if” because of the potential and talent he has that simply hasn’t translated to an NFL field.
New Orleans is currently carrying five defensive ends in total. Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Cam Jordan and Chris Rumph II are all on the active roster, while 2025 seventh-round rookie Fadil Diggs holds on to a spot on the practice squad.
