New Orleans Saints sign veteran defensive lineman with connections to the coaching staff

The New Orleans Saints have had a somewhat intriguing mix of offseason moves so far, between a trade, signings, re-signings, and departures, they certainly have changed up the roster a bit. Their list of additions has continued as well, with John Hendrix of Athlon Sports reporting that they will be signing defensive end Jonah Williams on a one-year deal.

Williams, 29, is a Weber State product and former college teammate of Rashid Shaheed's. He signed with the Los Angles Rams as an undrafted free agent during the 2020 offseason, and would remain there up until part way through 2024, where he also played for the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions after being waived multiple times throughout the season. His production on the defensive side improved immensely in 2023, accruing 49 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, a pass deflection, 7 pressures, and 2 sacks in 598 snaps. He adds some versatility to the group of edge defenders at a listed 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds.

However, in 2024 his utilization went back down, only playing 40 snaps in six games with the Rams (approximately 10%). Overall he has been a quality depth piece for the teams he has been with in his career. Additionally, when he was signed in 2020, Brandon Staley was the defensive coordinator of the Rams, so there is most certainly a connection there despite Williams not making it off the practice squad that season.

He will likely be a good rotational piece during training camp to provide competition to the incoming rookie class, and if he can get some production and show flashes during that span of time, he may end up making the active roster.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Report: Saints sign defensive lineman who worked with their new staff

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