Jonas Sanker can find role in Staley’s Saints defense

By Ross Jackson

The middle of the New Orleans Saints’ 2025 NFL Draft class was all about the defensive side of the ball. One of those selections, Virginia safety Jonas Sanker may be one of the more impactful yet under-celebrated selections of the group.

Sanker is a hard-hitting, reliable tackler that is always willing to get involved in run support and do the dirty work near the line of scrimmage. His 8.5 tackles for a loss and pair of sacks from 2024 give a glimpse into what he will break to the Saints’ secondary, likely as a depth player first and foremost. But he will certainly have a chance to carve out a role in the Saints’ defense over the course of his rookie season. 

New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley loves versatility in his players, which Sanker brings with him. The safety took more than 500 snaps at three different defensive positions throughout his time in Virginia.

• Free Safety
• Slot Corner
• Box Safety

In New Orleans, that will give him, along with his run stopping and tackling prowess, a lot of opportunities to find his way to the field. With cornerback Alontae Taylor probably headed back to the slot/STAR role and fellow rookie Quincy Riley a contender to start at outside cornerback, expect Sanker to get snaps as a strong safety.

With both safeties Tyrann Mathieu and newly-signed Justin Reid able to handle coverage well deep and over the middle of the field, letting Sanker get reps in the box on run downs could be just the start when he eventually finds the field.

Bear in mind too that Mathieu’s contract was reworked this offseason, resulting in incentives based on playing time.

Here is Tyrann Mathieu’s full reworked contract:

2025: $6.09 million cap, $1.53 million base

Up to $3.25 million in playtime incentives:

45%: $125,000
50%: $375,000
60%: $500,000
70%: $500,000
80%: $750,000
85%: $1,000,000

Voids on last day of 2025 league year

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) March 26, 2025

Mathieu hasn’t missed a lot of time due to injuries since arriving in New Orleans, but has played through some ailments and missed a few late-game situations because of them. Last year, Mathieu was asked to play more near the line of scrimmage despite some coaches in the building wanting to use him in other ways, such as in robber roles and deep coverage.

If the Saints’ new defensive approach goes that route, Sanker could have an impact rotating in for the line of scrimmage responsibilities. Something that would absolutely be in his wheelhouse.

If you’re a running back or a quarterback looking to draw a play out deliberately, make sure that Virginia DB Jonas Sanker (20) isn’t on the field. Because Jonas Sanker will blow that stuff up. Nine tackles for loss last season. pic.twitter.com/Kb4RaCzVaK

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 24, 2025

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