The New Orleans Saints have added a proven playmaker to their receiving corps, signing veteran wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones to a one-year contract following his standout performance at rookie minicamp.
Peoples-Jones, a 2020 sixth-round pick out of Michigan, arrives in New Orleans with five seasons of NFL experience and a reputation for reliability and versatility.
Peoples-Jones made the most of his opportunity during the Saints’ rookie minicamp, earning praise from the coaching staff and ultimately securing a spot on the roster.
Over his career, he has recorded 122 receptions for 1,895 yards and eight touchdowns, with his most productive season coming in 2022 when he caught 61 passes for 839 yards with the Cleveland Browns.
Saints coach Kellen Moore expressed his enthusiasm for the addition, highlighting Peoples-Jones’ track record and work ethic.
“It’s awesome to see Donovan out there,” Moore said after Saturday’s minicamp session. “He’s been a really productive player. Just a couple of years ago, he had a ton of catches, a ton of production in Cleveland.
“Certainly a guy that when you went through the draft process, he was highly thought of. You want to keep an eye on those guys as you kind of go through this journey and give them a chance to compete. He went out there and did an excellent job today.”
The signing comes as the Saints look to bolster their receiving group, especially after opting not to select a wide receiver in this year’s NFL Draft.
General manager Mickey Loomis had previously indicated that the team would explore veteran options to add depth and size to the position. Peoples-Jones fits that bill, bringing both physical presence and NFL experience to a unit looking for consistency and playmaking ability.
For Peoples-Jones, the opportunity with the Saints represents a fresh start and a chance to contribute to a new offense.
After splitting time between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, the 26-year-old is eager to prove he still belongs among the league’s top receivers. His performance at minicamp demonstrated not only his physical abilities but also his professionalism and readiness to compete.
The NFL’s rule allowing teams up to five tryouts for non-rookie players provided the Saints with a valuable opportunity to evaluate Peoples-Jones up close.
His ability to make plays and adapt quickly to the Saints’ system made a strong impression on the coaching staff, leading to the decision to sign him.
As the Saints prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Donovan Peoples-Jones adds both depth and experience to their wide receiver room.
With a blend of size, skill, and proven production, he will look to carve out a key role and help elevate the Saints’ passing attack in 2025.