No player from the New Orleans Saints’ 10-man undrafted free agent class ended up making the team’s initial active roster.
If we’re honest, only a couple even got close enough to garner consideration to make the cut. One of those few was edge rusher Mike Heldman.
Were it not for an EDGE position that’s already bursting at the seams with talent and potential, Heldman may have had the momentum to secure one of the spots at the bottom of the position’s roster. However, a late-preseason injury, coupled with the aforementioned talent at that position, kept him on the outside looking in.
The good news for the promising young talent is that, despite being placed on season-ending Injured Reserve (IR) as cuts were happening, there’s still a future for him in New Orleans.
The IR appointment hurts. No player wants to see their momentum halted by an injury. But, there’s also a silver lining waiting Heldman who has a chance to go into training camp next season and again fight for a spot in the room.
At that time, the Saints may have a greater need at the position. Veteran edge defender Cameron Jordan is expected to play his final season in 2026 and recently acquired ends Anfernee Jennings and Tyree Wilson are in contract years.
Should Jordan indeed retire after this season, and if Jennings or Wilson decide to take up opportunities elsewhere, Heldman’s familiarity with the team and defensive system could put him in place to earn a spot on next year’s active roster.
In a position led by ends like Jordan, Chase Young and Carl Granderson, it was going to be tough to carve out a spot this year. But next season may offer a whole new opportunity for the young pass rusher out of Central Michigan.
Heldman was impressive in his preseason debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a pair of sacks and a tackle for a loss. After that, his spotlight faded a bit, but the promise remained.
It’s unfortunate that Heldman’s season ended up with an injury, but on the bright side, there’s a chance less than a year from now to potentially revive his hopes at making a run for a roster that could be in need of his services more than ever.
