The New Orleans Saints have officially signed rookie safety Jonas Sanker to a four-year contract, adding one of college football’s most productive defenders to their secondary ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Sanker, a 6-foot-1, 211-pound standout from the University of Virginia, was selected by the Saints with the 93rd overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
During his collegiate career, Sanker established himself as a force in the Cavaliers’ defense. Sanker was named First-Team All-ACC honors in each of his final two seasons. Finishing his senior year leading Virginia with 98 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss.
Sanker excelled in multiple roles at Virginia, logging over 500 snaps at free safety. Sanker fits well with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme, which values multi-positional defenders.
Analysts expect Sanker to initially contribute as a depth player, but his skill set could earn him significant snaps-particularly in run-stopping situations or near the line of scrimmage.
Sanker joins a safety group led by three-time All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu and newly signed veteran Justin Reid. This gives the Saints a blend of experience and youth in the defensive backfield.
The Saints are aiming to rebound from a disappointing 5-12 campaign in 2024. Sanker’s arrival is seen as a step toward shoring up a pass defense that struggled last season.