The New Orleans Saints make space in their running back room.
The Saints have released running back Xazavian Valladay, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Valladay started his college career at the University of Wyoming. The 6-foot running back recorded two 1,000-yard seasons with the Cowboys before transferring to Arizona State for his fifth season. Vallday would have his best collegiate season with the Sun Devils, putting up 1,192 yards and 16 touchdowns. He would earn second-team All-Pac-12 for his standout year.
After being undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Valladay signed with the Houston Texans as a UDFA. Valladay bounced around during the 2023 preseason, briefly stinting with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets, but eventually earned a stay on the Jets' practice squad.
New York would release Valladay in September 2024 before signing with the Saints' practice squad in November. After the 2024 season, Valladay signed a reserve contract with New Orleans.
The Saints' running back room has become crowded after the signing of former Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers. New Orleans still houses seven backs on their roster and will likely make another move to make space eventually.
After the release of Valladay, the Saints' running back room houses Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Velus Jones Jr, and Marcus Yarns. While Kamara has been one of the top at his position since entering the league, New Orleans has struggled to find a consistent RB2 since Mark Ingram.
With head coach Kellen Moore likely to take a run-heavy approach with his offense, the Saints will weigh all their options at the position. It's clear New Orleans doesn't see Valladay in the future of their offense. While the former All-Pac-12 running back was released, he could still find his way back on the roster in the future.
