Report: Saints to sign undrafted DT Zxavian Harris despite legal history

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints are adding another undrafted free agent, one that may have a short leash in the team’s locker room, but that could bring an intimidating presence to the defensive line. 

Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the Saints are signing undrafted free agent defensive tackle out of Ole Miss, Zxavian Harris. 

The enormous interior defender stands at an imposing 6-foot-7 and weighed in at 330 pounds during the pre-draft prospect. From an on-field standpoint, he’s a run-plugging two-gapper that could fit at nose tackle for the Saints. 

He was moved around the line in the Ole Miss defense, playing 3 to 5-technique during his time there, showing some versatility as well. 

Harris was considered a potential mid-round selection (Rounds 3-5) in this year’s draft class, but went undrafted due to concerns off of the football field. 

Harris was arrested in 2023 for driving under the influence, reckless driving, felony fleeing and other charges. He again ran into legal trouble with a later domestic violence and obstruction arrest in 2024. 

New Orleans will be banking on its growing and strong culture to help right his path upon arrival. If he can get on the right track, he has the on-field talent to be an impact player at the next level, especially with his physical gifts. 

Head coach Kellen Moore is no stranger to the impact of big, imposing defensive tackles and how they can help a defense thrive. He won a Super Bowl as an offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles who fielded Jordan Davis (6-foot-6, 336 lbs.) and Jalen Carter (6-foot-3, 314 lbs.) in a Vic Fangio-led system. 

With Brandon Staley as his defensive coordinator in New Orleans, a Fangio-tree coach, adding Harris and 6-foot-3, 321-pound rookie Christen Miller to the roster, the influence of Moore’s Philadelphia success is clear.