Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
New Orleans Saints edge rusher Chris Rumph II arrived in the Big Easy with familiarity on his side. Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley drafted Rumph out of Duke in 2021 as a part of his first draft class as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
The two reunited in New Orleans this offseason when Rumph signed with the Saints as a free agent.
Since arriving, he has been a clear standout in training camp making plays in the run game and as a pass rusher. His energetic and athletic presence are very hard to miss on the field.
On Thursday, the team’s first practice in Irvine, Calif., the 6-foot-2, 244-pound edge rusher was told that he has been considered a standout throughout camp. A message that the fifth-year defender was very pleased to hear during his Tuesday media availability.
“That’s love!” he said with excitement. “… I just want to give God the glory. This has been a rough two years coming back off of three straight injuries and spiritually, I think that was what I needed for me to get stronger and closer to Him. And so I credit God for just giving me this opportunity because mentally it’s hard to come back.”
Rumph suffered a fractured foot that shortened his 2023 season and another foot injury kept him out of 2024 as a whole. Returning to the game with his former head coach as his defensive coordinator is something for which the 2021 third-rounder is grateful.
“I’m grateful for coach Staley, the opportunity to come back here, play under his system,” Rumph said. “But I’m also excited to play with these new guys. Demario (Davis), Cam (Jordan), There’s so many guys. Alontae (Taylor). Watch out now. Watch out. We got some guys here.”
The defensive end’s infectious energy has already brought a lot to the defense when he’s on the field. He’s a boisterous communicator and a constant supporter cheering on the successes of his new teammates, even from the sideline.
It’s clear that the standing out that Rumph has been doing since joining the team isn’t just about his raw talent, but his desire to get back to playing at a high level and meeting the expectations that surrounded him upon first entering into the league. With three top edge rushers in place, Chase Young, Carl Granderson and Jordan, Rumph has so far looked to solidify his role as a contributor among the group.
How many edge rushers the Saints keep on the roster will likely depend on the next few weeks. But if he makes it, as he looks like he is in line to do, expect a recharged Rumph to hit the field.
“I’m hungry, man. I’m hungry,” he said. “I just want to go out there and ball.”
