The New Orleans Saints have a reputation for finding hidden gems, and their latest undrafted free agent signing might just be the next diamond in the rough. Meet Alan Herron, a former Maryland Terrapins offensive tackle who arrived in the Big Easy with a surprisingly lucrative contract for an undrafted rookie. The Saints are betting big that Herron can secure the critical third tackle spot on their offensive line.
Offensive tackle wasn't exactly a position of need for New Orleans this offseason. After all, the Saints invested back-to-back first-round picks in Taliese Fuaga (2024) and Kelvin Banks Jr. (2025), creating what looks like a dynamic duo for years to come. But every championship team knows that depth wins games, and the Saints saw some question marks behind their emerging stars. Veteran swing tackle Asim Richards saw significant action in six games last season, with mixed results. Meanwhile, Barry Wesley and Xavier Truss were added as waiver pickups but never saw the field. Enter Herron, who impressed the Saints enough during a pre-draft visit to earn a $25,000 signing bonus and $272,500 in guaranteed money.
Herron's journey to the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in Jamaica, he didn't pick up a football until his senior year of high school after moving to the United States. From there, he played two seasons at Shorter University before starting the last two years at right tackle for Maryland. While his technique still needs polish, Herron possesses the raw fundamentals, frame, and footwork that NFL scouts love. It's a classic underdog story that Saints fans can't help but root for.
The competition for the third tackle spot will be one of the most intriguing battles in training camp. Banks and Fuaga are locked in as starters on the left and right sides, respectively. That leaves Herron battling Richards, Truss, Wesley, and fellow undrafted rookie Alex Wollschlaeger from Kentucky. The Saints hope one of these players will emerge as the reliable swing tackle every team needs. Herron's versatility to play either side of the line gives him a real shot at not just making the roster, but becoming more than just a practice squad stash. If his development matches his work ethic, New Orleans might have found another undrafted gem.