The New Orleans Saints have some big decisions looming this offseason, but one of the easier calls might be bringing back a rising name on defense: linebacker Isaiah Stalbird.
Now, Stalbird’s not a household name-yet-but he made a strong case for a second act in New Orleans. After spending his rookie year stashed on the practice squad, the former South Dakota State standout finally got his shot in 2025. And while his snap count was limited, his impact was anything but.
In just 63 defensive snaps across 17 games, Stalbird racked up 25 tackles, six pressures, two sacks, four defensive stops, and a pass breakup. That kind of production in such a small sample size jumps off the page-and the film backs it up. He brought juice off the edge and showed a knack for disrupting plays, especially late in the season when the Saints’ defense hit its stride.
At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Stalbird doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional edge rusher, but that’s exactly what makes him intriguing in Brandon Staley’s system. A converted safety, he brings speed, range, and the kind of quick-twitch explosiveness that can be a nightmare for offenses when used creatively. Staley’s 3-4 scheme thrives on versatility, and Stalbird fits that bill-able to drop into coverage, chase down plays from the backside, or shoot gaps as a situational blitzer.
What’s more, he’s just 25 years old. There’s still plenty of room for growth, and the Saints would be wise to invest in that potential. He’s the kind of player who can become a difference-maker-not necessarily a star, but a high-energy, high-leverage piece who can tilt a few key plays in your favor over the course of a season.
With plenty of roster questions ahead, keeping a young, ascending defender like Stalbird in the fold feels like a no-brainer. He’s already shown he belongs. Now it’s just a matter of seeing how far he can go.