What are the plans for Barion Brown? The former LSU Tiger and Kentucky Wildcat was a surprise sixth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft, but his unique set of skills mean he has plenty of options at the next level. Whether he focuses on playing receiver or returning punts and kickoffs, he’ll get real opportunities to make the team over the next few months. The only question is where he’ll spend most of his time. It was one of several questions head coach Kellen Moore answered during his press conference after Friday’s rookie minicamp practice.
“Yeah. Yeah yeah, no, he’s a receiver as well,” Moore clarified. “And I think that’s the important asset that we view this as, is we’re onboarding a guy who’s a returner and a receiver and it’s not going to be just a receiver and nothing else. And so, you know, his experience, his exposure we spent a lot of time with him. He came in on a 30 visit. Go through his experience, you know, going to Kentucky, going to LSU. Uh, he’s had a lot of success both in the return game and the receiver game and so excited to a him to that mix.”
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The question came up for good reason — Brown led the FBS in yards per kick return in 2023, at Kentucky, and he led the SEC in the same stat in 2025 after transferring to LSU. All told, he scored six kick return touchdowns in four years and averaged 29.4 yards per kick return in his career. It’s a role in which he’s both comfortable and effective. But he can do more.
Brown only saw 32 carries in 50 games at the college level, but he was productive with 7.1 yards per attempt, and 11 of those rushes gained 10 or more yards and he converted a first down 13 times. There’s potential for him to catch defenses off balance with a jet sweep or delayed handoff. And as Moore said, Brown has real skills as a receiver. He totaled 175 catches for 2,060 yards and 12 touchdowns, largely producing against other future NFL players. He was often targeted around the line of scrimmage and asked to make a play with the ball in his hands, but as a senior LSU gave him just as many looks over the middle of the field. That’s Tyler Shough‘s bread and butter.
If Brown can win the job as the team’s primary kick returner and chip in when asked to run routes on offense, he should make the squad when it comes down to roster cuts in September. The only roster locks are Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, and Devaughn Vele. That leaves two, maybe three spots up for grabs with a couple of other spaces reserved on the practice squad. Guys like fourth-round pick Bryce Lance, veteran pickups Ja’Lynn Polk and Trey Palmer have a shot, but so do experienced backups like Mason Tipton and Bub Means. Brown needs to set himself apart from the group if he’s going to make the team.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 23, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) makes a catch against Texas Longhorns defender Jaylon Guilbeau (3) during the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Patzke-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 23, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) makes a catch against Texas Longhorns defender Jaylon Guilbeau (3) during the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Patzke-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Oct 26, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) walks onto the field before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 23, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown tries to avoid a tackle by Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) while returning a kick during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 23, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Barion Brown (7) during the second half Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Oct 26, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown makes his way though Cat Walk before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Oct 19, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) pushes past Kentucky Wildcats running back Chip Trayanum (4) against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Oct 12, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Oct 12, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) runs the ball against Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Martel Hight (25) during the first quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) runs after a catch for a first downduring the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) catches the ball over Mississippi Rebels defensive back Isaiah Hamilton (3) for a first down during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Sep 21, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Kentucky’s Barion Brown caught the ball and ran with it against Southern Miss Saturday night at Kroger Field.
Aug. 31, 2024
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Sam Mason, aka BigBlueSammy, of Campbellsville, Ky., wanted to challenge UK’s Barion Brown to a footrace but it never materialized during the Kentucky Wildcats’ Blue White scrimmage at Kroger Field on Saturday afternoon in Lexington, Kentucky. April 13, 2024
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) scores a touchdown during the third quarter of an NCAA football matchup in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Clemson Tigers edged the Kentucky Wildcats 38-35. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Barion Brown (7) celebrates teammate Devin Leary’s touchdown against Missouri at Kroger Field Saturday. The Cats were up 14-0 in the first quarter. Oct. 14, 2023.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 04: Wide receiver Barion Brown #7 of the Kentucky Wildcats looks to catch a pass over safety Marcus Banks #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half of play at Davis Wade Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 20 : Wide receiver Barion Brown #6 of the LSU Tigers warms up before the game against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions at Tiger Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Michael DeMocker/Getty Images)
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 20 : Wide receiver Barion Brown #6 of the LSU Tigers warms up before the game against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions at Tiger Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Michael DeMocker/Getty Images)
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 20 : Wide receiver Barion Brown #6 of the LSU Tigers warms up before the game against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions at Tiger Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Michael DeMocker/Getty Images)
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 08: Barion Brown #6 of the LSU Tigers rushes against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA – NOVEMBER 29: Eli Bowen #23 of the Oklahoma Sooners defends against a pass intended for Barion Brown #6 of the Louisiana State Tigers during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 27: Interim head coach Frank Wilson of the Louisiana State Tigers congratulates Barion Brown #6 after a touchdown in the first half against the Houston Cougars during the Kinder’s Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton (23) defends a play where Louisiana State University receiver Barion Brown (6) attempted catch was ruled incomplete during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Sep 6, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) runs against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the second half against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Barion Brown 6, LSU Tigers take on the Louisiana Tech. Sept 6, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Barion Brown 6, LSU Tigers take on the Florida Gators. Sept 13, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Sep 20, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) is pushed out of bounds by Southeastern Louisiana Lions defensive back Richard McKneely (36) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Sep 20, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) reacts to scoring a touchdown against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Barion Brown 6, LSU Tigers take on the Southeastern Louisiana. Sept 20, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Barion Brown 6, LSU Tigers take on the Southeastern Louisiana. Sept 20, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Sep 27, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Chris Graves Jr. (32) breaks up a pass intended for LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) during the fourth quarter at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Kellen Moore sees role for Saints WR Barion Brown beyond special teams
Barion Brown 6, LSU Tigers take on the Southeastern Louisiana. Sept 20, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Oct 11, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Kyle Parker (12) against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Oct 11, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Kyle Parker (12) against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Barion Brown 6, LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Barion Brown 6, LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Barion Brown 6, LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; LSU wide receiver Barion Brown (6) blocks Alabama defensive back Dijon Lee Jr. (5) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Red Morgan (16) tackles Louisiana State Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) during the fourth quarter of the game at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Red Morgan (16) tackles Louisiana State Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) during the fourth quarter of the game at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) runs against Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Caleb Wooden (22) and linebacker JJ Shelton (20) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) reacts to catching pass for a first down against Arkansas Razorbacks cornerback Jordan Young (4) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Barion Brown 6 greeted by Garrett Nussmeier 18, , LSU Tigers take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. November 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Barion Brown 6, LSU Tigers take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. November 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 22, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) returns a kick off against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 22, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) catches a pass against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 22, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) runs against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Jaylen Lewis (7) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Nov 22, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) runs against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) chases after Louisiana State Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) after a kickoff in a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the LSU Tigers at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-13.
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Louisiana State Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Louisiana State Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team wide receiver Barion Brown (6) of LSU works in passing drills during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American wide receiver Barion Brown (6) of LSU grabs a touchdown pass during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American wide receiver Barion Brown (6) of LSU battle for a pass with American cornerback Collin Wright (6) of Stanford during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American wide receiver Barion Brown (6) of LSU just misses a pass in the end zone during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU wideout Barion Brown (WO11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU wideout Barion Brown (WO11) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU wideout Barion Brown (WO11) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Saints draft Barion Brown: See New Orleans’ sixth-round pick
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU wideout Barion Brown (WO11) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints see role for former LSU star Barion Brown beyond special teams