The New Orleans Saints brought in some more help off the edge by signing former Idaho Vandals and Boise State Broncos standout Malakai Williams, who tried out in a group of twelve defenders on Friday
. Williams spent five years at Idaho, including the COVID-shortened 2020 season, before transferring to Boise State in 2025. He's listed at 6-foot-5 and 252 pounds, and ended his college career with 14 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 49 games.Williams was spotted wearing the No. 56 jersey last used by Demario Davis, with new numbers given to a handful of other players. Linebacker Jackson Sirmon switched to No. 47 so that newly-signed linebacker Deion Jones could wear No. 45. Former Florida Gators defensive tackle Brien Taylor Jr. was using No. 60.
We're still waiting to see which number has been assigned to edge rusher Garrett Nelson, who was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. He used No. 52 in his last stop with the Saints but it was picked up by rookie defensive tackle Christen Miller.
As for Williams? He's going to compete for snaps with Nelson, rookie free agent Michael Heldman, and other reserves like Fadil Diggs. It still looks like Tyree Wilson and Anfernee Jennings are out in front for the fourth (and final) roster spot behind Chase Young, Carl Granderson, and Cameron Jordan. But one of these guys could still break out once the preseason games kick off in a few weeks.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints add former Idaho, Boise State EDGE, assign new jersey numbers
