The New Orleans Saints have made a savvy, low-risk move by signing former top-100 prospect Zxavian Harris as an undrafted free agent. The 6-foot-8, 330-pound defensive tackle from Ole Miss was projected as a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but his slide out of the draft was fueled by a combination of injury concerns and off-the-field issues.
Harris underwent foot surgery in March following the NFL Combine, and he's still working his way back to full health. But his draft stock took a bigger hit due to two arrests: one in 2023 for felony fleeing, DUI, reckless driving, and minor in possession charges, and another in 2024 for domestic violence and obstructing arrest. These red flags clearly gave teams pause, but they also opened the door for a team like the Saints to take a chance on a player with immense physical talent.
Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding summed up the situation bluntly when asked about Harris's NFL outlook: "Hopefully he gets in a room with a vet and sees it done the right way on a day-to-day basis." That's exactly the kind of environment the Saints are hoping to provide. With a veteran-laden locker room and a coaching staff known for developing talent, New Orleans could be the perfect landing spot for a player who needs structure and mentorship.
On the field, Harris's production is hard to ignore. During his college career, he racked up 17.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four passes defensed, and an eye-popping six blocked kicks. That kind of disruptive ability doesn't come around often, especially in a frame that size. If he can stay healthy and out of trouble, he could develop into a rotational force on the defensive line.
The Saints structured the deal as an unguaranteed contract, meaning there's no financial risk if things don't work out. If Harris can prove his maturity, earn a roster spot, and make plays on game day, this could become one of the steals of the offseason. For now, it's a classic high-reward gamble—one that could pay off big for both the player and the team. All eyes will be on Harris as he looks to turn potential into production in New Orleans.