New Orleans Saints signed an undrafted free agent that the rest of the NFL made a mistake not picking in the 2025 NFL Draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 5:23 PM ET

Kellen Moore's New Orleans Saints are busy creating more competition at every level of their roster. You cannot forget to address special teams when given the opportunity. The Saints kept that in mind after the 2025 NFL Draft.

Saints sign Alabama punter James Burnip as UDFA

New Orleans has signed Alabama punter James Burnip as an undrafted free agent. His deal is worth $35,000 - according to Katherine Terrell. Burnip is 6'6 and 235 pounds.

Lauded as one of the top boots in this draft class, the Saints did not even have to use a draft pick on Burnip. The young punter averaged 45.5 yards per punt with a maximum of 67 yards during his college career with the Tide.

PUNTER HIGHLIGHT ALERT: #Saints UDFA P James Burnip pic.twitter.com/AAgkY07Liy
— Joe Horns Cell Phone (@JoeHornsPhone) April 27, 2025

The value is clearly there for the young punter. New Orleans needed to bring in competition for Matthew Hayball, who is entering his second pro season. Burnip accomplishes that.

His path to the active roster is clear

Differently from other UDFA signings around the NFL, specialists have a unique opportunity. For Burnip, he is competing with one other player for the roster spot as punter. That's a clear route to getting early action in the pros, and he's excited for the chance in New Orleans.

WHO DAT ⚜️ https://t.co/Gxtkgq2ubU
— James Burnip (@JamesBurnip3) April 26, 2025

At other positions, undrafted free agents must pass three or four other players in order to earn a 53-man roster spot in many cases. At minimum, those players have to outwork and impress the coaching staff more than veteran options that have proven they can play in the NFL.

Burnip's chance will come against another young option in Hayball, who showed some flashes and also some inconsistency as a rookie last season. We will see who comes out on top by the time the regular season rolls around.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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