Saints add UFL champion ahead of 2024 training camp

Two days before the start of training camp, the Saints added UFL champion wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. to bolster their wide receiver depth.

The Birmingham Stallions wideout previously spent time on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad (2022) and had 15 receptions, 253 yards and two touchdowns this year.

His best game was against the Memphis Showboats on May 4 when he finished with four receptions for 108 yards and scored a 79-yard touchdown while reaching a max speed of 19.8 mph, the fastest for a ball-carrier in the UFL during Week 6, according to Reel Analytics.

He also showed off his speed a week later when making a catch on a slant route at the St. Louis Battlehawks 35-yard line. He took it to the end zone for a go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdown.

New Orleans begins its training camp on Wednesday in Irvine, Calif.

While the Saints are set at the top two wide receiver spots with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, they should have an open competition for the No. 3 position.

The front office added backup-level talent, including Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Equanimeous St. Brown, to the position in free agency. Second-year pro A.T. Perry, selected in the sixth round in 2023, could be due for a breakout. He only received 18 targets in 10 games last season but had 12 receptions, 246 yards (20.5 yards per catch) and four touchdowns.

Wilson played for the Dolphins last season and had 22 receptions, 296 yards and three touchdowns. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is part of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, the same as Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Wilson's familiarity with the scheme likely made him attractive in free agency and could give him the inside track.

St. Brown, the older brother of Lions All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, is probably a long shot to make the roster. He has 928 receiving yards in 60 career games (28 starts).

Austin joined the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He played collegiately at Notre Dame and led the Fighting Irish with 888 receiving yards and 18.5 yards per attempt as a junior (2021). He was also tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (seven) with now-Raiders tight end Michael Mayer.

Austin's spot on the Saints' final 53-man roster is far from guaranteed. At the very least, his signing should raise the level of competition for the third receiver role in the New Orleans offense.