The New Orleans Saints have officially wrapped up their 2026 rookie class, and the Georgia Bulldogs are front and center. After inking tight end Oscar Delp earlier in the week, the Saints turned their attention to defensive tackle Christen Miller, signing him on May 9. Miller, the No. 42 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is projected to earn a handsome $11.8 million over his four-year rookie deal, according to Spotrac.

Miller’s arrival marks another milestone for Georgia’s powerhouse program. With multiple Bulldogs already cashing in, the 2026 draft class from Athens is expected to collectively sign contracts worth at least $70 million—a testament to the program's relentless pipeline of NFL-ready talent.

There was a brief moment of concern when Miller was absent from the first day of rookie minicamp. Saints head coach Kellen Moore quickly put those worries to rest, explaining that the rookie was on a "maintenance plan." "He's fine," Moore said. "Some guys come in, and we put them at different levels to make sure they ramp up the right way. He wasn't out there for field work, but he'll be good to go."

Miller’s journey to the NFL wasn't a straight line. He arrived at Georgia with high expectations, stepping into a defensive line that had just lost first-round talents like Travon Walker and Devontae Wyatt. But with future stars Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Jordan Davis also looming, Miller had to wait his turn. Veterans like Zion Logue, Warren Brinson, and Nazir Stackhouse held down the starting spots, keeping Miller on the sidelines until his junior season.

When he finally got his chance, he made it count. In 2024, Miller racked up 27 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. That performance could have sent him to the transfer portal or the draft, but he chose to stay for one more season. The decision paid off: in 2025, he earned first-team All-SEC honors with 23 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Miller even drew first-round buzz, but his decision to skip NFL combine drills may have caused his stock to slip a bit. Still, the Saints are getting a player who could step in as a plug-and-play starter. With returning linemen like Bryan Bresee and Davon Godchaux anchoring the interior, Miller will have the chance to learn from a solid group while bringing his own relentless energy to the trenches.

For Saints fans, this signing is more than just a contract—it's the beginning of a new chapter for a defense that's hungry to make noise. And for Georgia faithful, it's another proud moment as their Bulldogs continue to dominate the NFL stage.