Isaiah Stalbird: From Practice Squad Longshot to Emerging Defensive Weapon in New Orleans
When the Saints kicked off the 2025 season, their linebacker room was a mix of veteran leadership, unproven youth, and more than a few question marks. Demario Davis was back for his 14th season, still the heartbeat of the defense, but age was a looming factor. Pete Werner remained a solid run-stopper, but his struggles in coverage and lack of splash plays left the door open for someone-anyone-to step up.
Enter Isaiah Stalbird.
Undrafted out of South Dakota State in 2024, Stalbird came into the league as a converted safety with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. He spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad, barely a blip on the radar outside of the facility. But fast forward to the end of the 2025 season, and he’s no longer just a feel-good story-he’s one of the Saints’ most intriguing defensive assets.
A Camp Standout Who Earned His Shot
Stalbird turned heads in training camp and preseason, showing the kind of speed and physicality that made coaches take notice. That effort earned him a spot on the 53-man roster-a major leap for a player who hadn’t seen a defensive snap the year before.
To start the season, Stalbird was once again a core special teamer, logging reps in coverage units and doing the dirty work. But by Week 3, his role began to shift.
Slowly but surely, he started getting sprinkled into defensive packages, particularly in passing situations. And when he was on the field, he made it count.
Making Plays in Limited Snaps
Stalbird only logged 64 defensive snaps all season, but he made them loud. Whether it was flying downhill to blow up a screen or coming off the edge as a blitzer, he brought juice. His background as a safety showed up in space-he was comfortable in coverage, quick to diagnose plays, and rarely out of position.
As a pass rusher, he was a surprising weapon. Stalbird notched 2 sacks and 4 pressures, with a couple more plays wiped out by penalties.
He also broke up a few passes, showing off those defensive back instincts. He wasn’t just filling in-he was creating impact plays in high-leverage moments.
Special Teams Spark
While the Saints’ special teams unit as a whole had its struggles in 2025, Stalbird stood out as one of the few bright spots. His speed and tackling ability made him a reliable force in kick coverage, and his energy was contagious. It’s the kind of role that often gets overlooked, but within the locker room and coaching staff, it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Looking Ahead
In a season where New Orleans' defense took a step forward under new coordinator Brandon Staley, Stalbird might’ve been the most improved player on the unit. He went from fringe roster guy to legitimate contributor, and the arrow is pointing up.
The Saints still have decisions to make at linebacker, especially with Davis nearing the end of his career and Werner's limitations in coverage. But Stalbird’s emergence gives them something they didn’t have before-a versatile, fast, and instinctive defender who can play in space, rush the passer, and bring value on special teams.
He’s not just a depth piece anymore. If his 2025 season was any indication, Isaiah Stalbird is ready for a bigger role-and he’s earned every bit of it.