Spring Football Hits the Jackpot: Saints Double-Dip into the UFL And Gamble On Two
Well, Who Dat Nation, Mickey Loomis and the front office are at it again, scouring the football landscape to find diamonds in the rough. With the 2026 UFL offseason signing window officially open, the New Orleans Saints didn't waste any time. On Wednesday, the team announced the signings of two standouts fresh off their spring grind with the Houston Gamblers: quarterback Hunter Dekkers and wide receiver/return specialist Jalen Cropper.
If you aren’t paying attention to the UFL pipeline yet, it's time to wake up. These guys aren't just camp bodies; they are battle-tested, high-upside players hungry for a definitive NFL breakthrough. Let’s break down why this low-risk, high-reward double-dip is exactly the kind of gritty depth the Saints need heading into training camp.
The Return of Hunter Dekkers: Re-Igniting the Left-Handed Cannon
First up is a very familiar face. Hunter Dekkers is back in the Black and Gold, and honestly, his return feels like poetic justice.
The Saints originally signed Dekkers as an undrafted free agent in May 2025, keeping him on the practice squad before letting him go at the end of the year.
Dekkers' 2026 UFL Production (5 Games):
• Passing: 69/112 (61.4%), 749 Yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
• Rushing: 13 Carries, 74 Yards, 2 Rushing TDs
• Passer Efficiency Rating: 123.05
Despite battling through some injuries during his spring stint, the 6-foot-1, 210-pounder proved he can command a huddle, handle pressure, and create plays with his legs when the pocket breaks down. He's got that classic Iowa grit, a live arm, and—most importantly—valuable starting reps under his belt from just weeks ago.
Bringing him back means adding a young quarterback who already knows the building, knows the expectations, and has significantly improved his game since he last wore a Saints jersey. He’ll slide right into camp to compete fiercely against Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson for a backup spot, giving us incredible depth under center.
Jalen Cropper: The Blazing X-Factor We Need on Special Teams
While Dekkers brings the stability at QB, Jalen Cropper (or Jalen Moreno-Cropper, if you're looking at the official jersey) brings pure, unadulterated electricity.
The former Fresno State star—who put up a massive 1,086-yard season in 2022—spent time on the Dallas Cowboys' roster and practice squad before making the jump to the UFL this spring. In Houston, he quickly turned into a human highlight reel.
Cropper finished fourth on the Gamblers with 22 receptions for 291 yards, including a roaring Week 9 performance where he tore up the defense for 103 yards on just 4 catches.
The Week 1 Lightning Strike: Cropper took a kickoff back 93 yards for a touchdown in his very first UFL game.
He finished his spring stint averaging an explosive 42.6 yards per kick return.
With the NFL's dynamic kickoff rules completely shifting how teams view the return game, you can never have too many explosive, fearless return specialists. Cropper has the vision, the 4.40 speed, and the dynamic agility to make coverage teams look silly.
The Verdict: A Low-Risk Masterclass in Roster Building
Look, nobody is saying these two are going to step onto the field and instantly win MVP awards. But in the modern NFL, championships are won on the margins. The UFL has proven itself to be an elite developmental ground (just look at what KaVontae Turpin did in Dallas or what the league's top kickers are doing across the map).
By signing Dekkers and Cropper, the Saints grabbed two guys who are in peak football shape, highly motivated, and possess built-in chemistry from playing together in Houston. It costs the team next to nothing, increases camp competition tenfold, and gives us two legitimate young playmakers to watch closely when the preseason kicks off.
Welcome to New Orleans, boys. Let's let it ride. Who Dat!
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