The New Orleans Saints invited a small group of free agents to tryouts on Tuesday, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. We’re nearing the end of training camp, so it’s going to be tough for these guys to secure a permanent spot on the roster. Joejuan Williams is the only one who has signed so far, and we’ll see if the others stick around.
Looking at the positions individually, it’s clear they’re looking to add depth at linebacker, tight end and in the secondary. Here’s a quick summary of each of the free agents who reported for tryouts on August 20th:
TE Stephen Anderson
Anderson, who is 6’2″ and weighs 230 pounds, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans in 2016. His best year was his sophomore season, in which he totaled 342 receiving yards with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he has spent most of his time in the NFL to date.
Relative sporting score: 8.29
LB Isaac Darkangelo
Darkangelo, 6’0″ and 220 pounds, went undrafted out of Illinois in 2023. His ultimate goal was the CFL. Darkangelo signed with the Toronto Argos in May. Before that, he played for the Detroit Lions and Las Vegas Raiders.
Relative sporting score: 7.16
LB Andrew Dowell
Here’s a familiar face. Dowell, 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, spent three years with the Saints from 2020-22 after turning pro at Michigan State. The linebacker was primarily a special teams player. Being a known quantity with immediate value on punts and kickoffs could help Dowell get signed and potentially placed on the practice squad.
Relative sporting score: 6.05
DB Steven Jones
Jones, 5’10” and 195 pounds, was recruited to Appalachian State along with current Saints cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles and linebacker D’Marco Jackson. Jones played an extra year in college, but they spent five years together in college. Jones is a former All-American cornerback.
Relative sporting score: 4.51
DB D’Angelo Mandell
Mandell, 6’1″ and 195 pounds, played in the NFC South. The former undrafted free agent spent the 2023 preseason with the Dallas Cowboys. He then tried out with the New York Giants and Washington Commanders. At the end of the season, he joined the Commanders’ practice squad to bolster their roster at the cornerback position.
Relative sporting score: 2.75 (unofficial)
TE Geoff Swaim
Swaim, who stands 6’4″ and weighs 250 pounds, has been in the league for quite some time. He is probably best known to most from his time with the Dallas Cowboys. Swaim eclipsed the 200-yard mark twice in his career, once in 2018 with Dallas and then in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans.
Relative sporting score: 7.62
DB Joe Juan Williams
Williams, 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, was the first tryout player to sign with the Saints on Tuesday. Read more about the signing.
Relative sporting score: 8.08
Linebacker Josh Woods
The safety-turned-linebacker from Maryland spent last season with the Arizona Cardinals. He had a solid year, recording 61 tackles in just 10 games. This was by far his best season, as he doubled his total tackles. Woods has bulked up to 6’2″ and 225 pounds after switching positions in the NFL.
Relative sporting score: 2.00 (unofficial)
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints bring in a ton of free agents for tryouts
