We've got some movement after the New Orleans Saints tried out a combined 17 free agents this week. Running back Ulysses Bentley IV and edge rusher David Ojabo signed with the team's practice squad on Thursday, head coach Kellen Moore announced. The team also worked out free agent cornerbacks, safeties, and offensive tackles but have not added more depth at those positions just yet. Wide receiver Kevin Austin was promoted to the 53-man roster in a corresponding move, having exhausted his three allowed single-game elevations.
Bentley IV, 25, was an undrafted free agent signing back in 2025 for the Indianapolis Colts, and would spend time on and off their practice squad as a fringe player, signing a futures contract for 2026 but being removed once
again before the season. He spent six years at the NCAA level, three with SMU and three with Ole Miss, the best of which was 2020 when he had 170 rushing attempts for 913 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's on the smaller side for an NFL running back at 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds.
Ojabo, 26, is one of the players with more draft pedigree to his name of the bunch, as a former second-round selection by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. Unfortunately, a torn Achilles at his pro day stunted his initial development in the NFL, and then an ACL injury in 2023 slowed it even further. After four years with the Ravens, he had 4.5 sacks and 2 tackles for loss to his name, signing with the Miami Dolphins for their 2026 training camp. He ended up being cut during final roster cutdowns, but could be an interesting option if he can remain healthy and work in a strong defensive scheme.
The Saints are dealing with multiple injuries at both positions. Starting running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) has been sidelined for the next four games, at least, meaning we won't see him again until after the team returns from its bye week. Veteran edge rushers Carl Granderson (ankle) and Anfernee Jennings (knee) have been sidelined at practice, too, leaving the rotation looking awful thin. These additions can help maintain the depth chart, but it's tough to see the Saints making a big jump in production so soon.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints sign two free agents to practice squad, add help at RB and EDGE
