The Saints have brought back a familiar face for their practice squad, re-signing veteran edge rusher Jonah Williams as New Orleans tries to shore up a defensive front already dealing with early injury questions and uneven pass-rush production.
It’s not the kind of move that grabs national attention, but it matters. Williams gives the Saints a physical, experienced option who can be called up quickly if needed, and he already knows the system. For a team trying to survive the long haul, that kind of depth can be just as important as any splashy addition.
Williams spent the 2025 season in New Orleans and appeared in 15 games, posting a career-best three sacks to go with five tackles for loss and five quarterback hits. At 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, the Weber State product fits the mold of an edge defender who can hold up against the run and still slide inside on passing downs.
His path to the NFL was built on persistence. Williams went undrafted out of Weber State in 2020, earned his way into a role, became a starter for the Los Angeles Rams and eventually picked up a Super Bowl ring. That background makes him more than a developmental flyer; he’s the type of veteran who can step onto the active roster on short notice and handle the job.
The Saints could use that kind of insurance with Cameron Jordan still working back. The franchise’s all-time sacks leader has been out since early August with a hamstring injury. He returned to practice on a limited basis late last week, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be ready for Sunday’s matchup with Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens.
New Orleans got some moments from Chase Young and Carl Granderson in its Week 1 opener against the Detroit Lions, but the overall pressure just wasn’t there. Tyree Wilson and Anfernee Jennings had chances to make an impact, and neither provided enough disruption. Against a Ravens offense built around Jackson’s mobility and Henry’s power, the Saints need more from the entire front.
In that light, bringing Jonah Williams back looks like a smart, low-risk move. He’s familiar, productive and ready to be called upon if the Saints need another body on the edge.
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