Kyle Terada
Every offseason, there are underdog players that find their way onto NFL rosters. Looking over the 90-man group of New Orleans Saints players, there are some that meet the underdog criteria, looking to be the next surprise competitors to land a role in the Big Easy.
Sometimes those roles are as consistent contributors. Sometimes they are depth or practice squad players, but in every case, these are major opportunities for those that earn them.
This time, we’re focusing on a player that’s coming back from injury after a hot start in training camp and the preseason in 2024. Now, a year later, he’s back on the field and has already proven two important qualities: a short memory and playmaking ability.
Cornerback Rejzohn Wright
Wright joined the Saints last season after spending his undrafted rookie year on the practice squads of the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders. He entered the league after a successful collegiate stint with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Rejzohn Wright was comfortable in press man alignment versus Jordan Addison.
His patience and punch timing were executed well to remain in phase most of his reps! pic.twitter.com/nCdSg7RTCn
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) January 11, 2023
He snagged a pair of interceptions in each of his final two years and added to that 17 passes defended and 93 career combined tackles with the team.
At 6-foot-2 and 191 pounds, Wright has prototypical size for the position and shows good production as a corner in his limited opportunities.
Wright landed with the Saints last season but saw his year come to an early end following an injury that sent him to offseason injured reserve. The Saints continued to invest in the talented cornerback by signing him to a reserve/futures deal, giving him another opportunity to fight for a roster or practice squad spot in 2025.
The Uphill Battle
Wright joins another populated competition on the Saints’ roster but absolutely has a path to earning a role.
While top corners Kool-Aid McKinstry, Isaac Yiadom, Alontae Taylor and Rico Payton all look to have their spots locked down, opening up at least another one or two spots at the position.
Rookie Quincy Riley may command one of those roster counts. Leaving at least some practice squad opportunities available.
Tra Fluellen, another member of our underdogs series, undrafted rookie Dalys Beanum and versatile defensive back Ugo Amadi will now be Wright’s most immediate competition.
Standout Moments So Far
Wright’s standout moments began piling up during last year’s preseason. Per Pro Football Focus, he was the closest defender on 10 passing targets, allowing just four catches for 79 receiving yards. He didn’t surrender a single touchdown and clocked a pair of pass breakups.
This offseason, he continued that trajectory snagging a diving interception during OTAs. The play came soon after being beat down the sideline for a big touchdown catch by wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, proving he has the ever-important short memory quality that corners need to succeed in the NFL.
Why Wright Has A Shot
Being back with the Saints for a second year may feel like an advantage, but with a wide swath of change on the coaching staff, that may not be the case.
Instead, Wright’s shot rests in his ability to make plays at the catch point. If he’s able to continue contributing in that way, while also proving special teams value, he has a chance to stick around with the Saints through the 2025 season.
