Saints release Xazavian Valladay from crowded running back room to create roster space.
The New Orleans Saints are releasing running back Xazavian Valladay, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Valladay, 26, had flashed some potential during OTA sessions and minicamp in his first offseason with New Orleans. After last weekend’s signing of veteran running back Cam Akers, the Saints had a crowded position group that also includes veterans Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Velus Jones along with rookies Devin Neal and Marcus Yarns.
Valladay played collegiately at Wyoming and Arizona State between 2018 and 2022. He rushed for 3,281 yards and 19 touchdowns over his first four years at Wyoming, including 1,265 yards to lead the Mountain West Conference in 2019. Valladay transferred to Arizona State in 2022 to finish his college career, where he totaled 1,192 yards on the ground with his 16 rushing touchdowns leading the PAC-12 conference.
Valladay was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans in 2023. He was released by the Texans before conclusion of training camp and picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was released at final roster cuts of the preseason. From there, Valladay was signed by the New York Jets, where he spent most of the 2023 season on their practice squad while appearing in one game with no touches.
Valladay spent the early portion of the 2024 season on the Jets practice squad before again being released. He was picked up by the Saints for their practice squad in early November, then signed to a reserve/future deal in January.