Free Agent OT explains decision to sign with Saints
05/02/2025
By Ross Jackson
After joining the New Orleans Saints as a member of the team’s 11-player undrafted rookie class, former Kansas State offensive lineman Easton Kilty joined After Further Review host Matt Moscona for an exclusive interview on 104.5 ESPN Radio Baton Rouge.
During the one-on-one, Kilty shared his experiences in New Orleans, offseason contact with the Saints and even the teams outside of the Big Easy that he was considering.
“My agent was negotiating, I was down to the (Buffalo) Bills, (New York) Jets and the Saints,” Kilty said. “It was all just looking at where the best fit was for me. It was crazy because I had (offensive line) coaches calling me just to say, ‘We could really use you here.’ But ultimately, it just came down to fit.”
What made the Saints the best fit for Kilty? Opportunity. The former Wildcat told Moscona that having an opportunity to make the team and grow as a player were each in part why he chose New Orleans.
“I think I have the best shot to make the team,” Kilty said.
A sentiment that definitely makes sense. The Saints need help on their offensive line, particularly when it comes to depth. New Orleans also has a notable track record of undrafted offensive lineman making the 53-man roster.
Last year, former Boston College lineman Kyle Hergel spent the season on and off of the active roster and practice squad. Previously, players like Calvin Throckmorton, Cameron Tom and Mark Evans II have found landing spots in New Orleans as well.
For Kilty, who allowed just 17 pressures and three sacks in his collegiate career, the Saints should provide a real shot to make the team either on the active roster or as a practice squad member.
.@EastonKilty is headed to The Big Easy!@Saints x #Saints pic.twitter.com/sVNh5K6NJU
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) April 27, 2025
Kilty also told Moscona that he chose New Orleans because of offensive line coach Brendan Nugent, whom Kilty had connected with numerous times before the draft.
“I was talking to their (offensive line) coach a little bit before the draft,” Kilty said. “Started just with the pre-draft stuff like sending videos over to him and stuff.”
The Wisconsin native made a similar decision in his transfer from the University of North Dakota to Kansas State, a school he chose because of the offensive coaching staff.
“I knew Chris Kleiman and their staff was from North Dakota State,” said Kilty. “So their whole staff came from NDSU. And I know what NDSU is about. Their offensive line coach Conor Riley was great at developing (offensive lineman), so I knew that it was a perfect fit for me.”