Terrell Burgess Is Back - And Ready for His Moment with the Saints
Terrell Burgess knows what it’s like to be on the outside looking in. Out of football for nearly a year, bouncing between teams, and nursing a hamstring injury during camp - he’s seen just about every curveball the NFL can throw.
But now, he’s getting his shot. On Sunday, Burgess will step into the starting lineup for the New Orleans Saints, filling in for the injured Justin Reid against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It’s a long-awaited opportunity for a player whose career hasn’t followed a straight line. This will be just the sixth start of Burgess’ career - and it comes in game number 54, across five teams.
But if you ask Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who coached Burgess as a rookie with the Rams, none of that matters. What matters is the player he remembers: a smart, versatile safety with elite coverage instincts and the hunger to match.
“Sometimes, you just need a second chance at it,” Staley said this week. “And going to the right fit.
… He was hungry. He was humble.”
That second chance came this past offseason, when the Saints brought Burgess in for a tryout. It wasn’t a flashy move.
He hadn’t played since being released by the Bills with an injury settlement before the 2024 season kicked off. But for Burgess, the call from New Orleans - and the chance to reunite with Staley - meant everything.
Now, he’s not just back. He’s contributing.
The Saints’ Safety Shuffle
Burgess’ rise comes in the middle of a turbulent year for the Saints’ secondary. The team originally signed Justin Reid to a three-year, $31.5 million deal, hoping to pair him with veteran Tyrann Mathieu. But when Mathieu unexpectedly retired before camp, the Saints had to pivot - fast.
They signed Julian Blackmon, only to lose him to a season-ending injury after just one game. That opened the door for rookie Jonas Sanker. And now, with Reid sidelined by a knee injury, it’s Burgess’ turn.
It’s been a revolving door at safety, but Burgess has stayed ready. Even after missing the initial 53-man roster, he impressed during training camp before a hamstring issue slowed him down. He landed on the practice squad, but didn’t stay there long - the Saints signed him to the active roster just two weeks into the season.
And when he’s been called upon, he’s delivered.
Quiet Impact, Loud Results
You might not see Burgess’ name lighting up the stat sheet, but his fingerprints are all over some of the Saints’ biggest defensive plays this season.
Two weeks ago, he played just one snap against the Falcons - but made it count, breaking up a third-down pass to force a punt. Earlier this season, he came off the bench and broke up a deep shot on a flea flicker against the Giants in Week 5 - a momentum-swinging play in a game the Saints went on to win.
That kind of readiness isn’t lost on head coach Kellen Moore.
“He’s just the ultimate pro, the ultimate vet,” Moore said. “We really saw him as player 54 - because he was ready to go from the beginning.”
For Burgess, that mindset started in training camp. Even after being cut, he stayed locked in. He knew opportunities in the NFL are fleeting - and he wasn’t going to let his slip away.
“I didn’t know if I’d get another chance after Buffalo,” Burgess admitted. “But I was excited for any role here.”
A Coach’s Belief That Still Matters
The Saints’ decision to bring in Burgess wasn’t just about depth. It was about familiarity and trust - something that goes back to his rookie season with the Rams under Staley.
Back then, Burgess was a third-round pick out of Utah, known more for his man coverage skills than zone concepts. But under Staley, he learned to play quarters coverage - a scheme he hadn’t touched in college - and grew into a more complete safety.
“He’s definitely somebody that always had belief in me,” Burgess said of Staley. “As athletes, from when you’re a kid to when you’re up at the highest level now, I think there’s something about a coach believing in you that’s going to help you play better.”
That belief has paid off. Burgess is one of several players with ties to Staley who have found new life in New Orleans, alongside edge rusher Chris Rumph and defensive linemen Jonathan Bullard and Jonah Williams.
All of them have carved out roles. And now, it’s Burgess’ turn to step into the spotlight.
“He’s performed exactly like he did back then,” Staley said. “We’re glad we have him.”
On Sunday, Terrell Burgess won’t just be filling in - he’ll be proving he belongs. After a long road back, he’s earned this moment. And if his track record this season is any indication, he’s not planning to let it go to waste.