New Orleans Saints Sign Veteran Wide Receiver After Rookie Minicamp

At the end of rookie minicamp for the New Orleans Saints, the team made a handful of roster moves, including signing a veteran wide receiver.

From Tryout to Contract: Peoples-Jones Earns Saints Roster Spot

Obviously Donovan Peoples-Jones wasn't at minicamp as a rookie; instead, he attended Saints rookie minicamp as a tryout for the team. Which seems to be a tryout that has paid off, because the Saints announced they have signed Peoples-Jones to a one-year contract.

Saints Add Former Browns and Lions Receiver

Peoples-Jones was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 6th round (187th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft. He would spend most of his career in Cleveland, starting 30 games for the team over 3 and a half seasons. Peoples-Jones was a solid contributor for the Browns, especially being a 6th round pick.

Peoples-Jones' Most Productive Year Came in Cleveland

During his Browns career, Peoples-Jones accounted for 1,837 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns. Being a 6'4, 204lbs wideout, he doesn't factor much into the rushing scheme. His breakout year was 2022, when he got a chance to shine by starting 14 games for the Browns.

Even though the quarterback situation was in flux, with a mix of Jacoby Brissett and Deshaun Watson starting games, Peoples-Jones was able to pull in 61 catches for 839 yards and 3 touchdowns. He served as a "possession" receiver that season for the Browns, with an average yards per reception of 13.8, which was down from his previous two seasons.

A Brief Homecoming in Detroit Before Landing in New Orleans

Midway through the 2023 season, the Detroit Lions traded a 6th round pick to the Browns for Peoples-Jones. This was a homecoming for Peoples-Jones, who was born in Detroit, went to high school at Detroit Cass Tech, and played his college football at Michigan.

Peoples-Jones spent the second half of the 2023 season with the Detroit Lions. He only started 1 game for the Lions but appeared in 8 total regular season games. However, he did play in 3 playoff games for the Lions that season. He only caught 5 passes for the franchise during his tenure. The Lions liked Peoples-Jones enough that they kept him on their practice squad during the 2024 season.

Veteran Talent, Youthful Age: What Peoples-Jones Brings to the Saints

Now, Peoples-Jones will get a chance to show his skills in New Orleans. Because even though he has over 50 career NFL games under his belt, he's still just 26-years-old. Roughly the same age as their rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (will turn 26 in September).