One former New Orleans Saints rookie has found a new opportunity. Michael Heldman, an edge rusher who played college football at Central Michigan, joined the Kansas City Chiefs just before their Week 2 overtime win against the Indianapolis Colts. He's the first of several players the Saints let go from injured reserve to find a new team.
Between a $20,000 signing bonus paid up front and another $247,500 in salary guarantees, the Saints spent $267,500 to land Heldman as an undrafted free agent. That was the third-most they spent on any rookie free agents behind offensive linemen Alex Wollschlaeger ($277,500) and Alan Herron ($272,500), who both re-signed with the New Orleans practice squad.
But Heldman was placed on injured reserve with an undisclosed
injury during final roster cuts on Aug. 30. He was waived with an injury settlement (also an undisclosed amount) on Sept. 4. No team claimed him at the time, but Heldman quietly signed with the Chiefs practice squad on Sept. 16. He's been assigned the No. 49 jersey.
It's disappointing to see the Saints move on from a player so quickly after making a sizeable investment in him. They don't lack for depth -- second-year draft pick Fadil Diggs and veteran backup Jonah Williams are both on the practice squad, with a rotation on the 53-man roster including Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Cameron Jordan, Anfernee Jennings, and Tyree Wilson. But they do lack difference-makers. Heldman ranked second on the team in quarterback pressures during the preseason. Outside of Young, the Saints haven't had much production out of their edge rushers through two games. They decided Heldman wouldn't have made a difference. If he thrives in Kansas City, this move is going to be second-guessed.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Former Saints preseason fan-favorite signs with Chiefs practice squad
