Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Another pre-draft visit has been reported for the New Orleans Saints, this time at the tight end position.
Per 24/7Sports’ Easton Butler, the Saints are expected to host Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer. Even after signing veteran tight end Noah Fant this offseason in free agency, the team could still look to add more talent to the room.
Royer reeled in 29 receptions for 416 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions in 2025. He added three touchdown receptions and 521 receiving yards in 2024.
He’s been productive as a pass-catcher with his 6-foot-5 and 247-pound frame. He frequently came down with tough catches in the short and intermediate areas while impressing as a willing blocker along the way.
Joe Royer (6’5 247) Cincinnati
+ Strong hands
+ Smooth mover/athlete
+ Alignment versatility
+ Crisp route runner
+ Ball tracking
+ Just a 2.4% career drop rate without dropping a single pass during the 2025 season
+ Quick feet off the line
+ Tough runner after the catch— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 17, 2026
In 2024, he set the school’s single-season tight end receptions record with 50.
Royer is projected as a Day 3 selection, where the Saints currently hold five selections. Depending on how his visit goes, he may be able to entice the Saints to invest in his obvious tools and promising physicality as the team looks to rebuild its tight end room.
This offseason, the Saints have seen three players depart that were consistent contributors to the position. Quarterback Taysom Hill remains a free agent while tight ends Foster Moreau and Jack Stoll have signed elsewhere.
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