Here are the latest updates I can share based on recent public reports:
Direct answer
- Zxavian Harris is a defensive lineman who recently signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2026. Several outlets report he underwent foot surgery prior to signing and was not expected to participate in rookie minicamp, with OTAs later in May as his next opportunity.[1][2][3]
Key recent developments
- Signing news: The Saints announced the signing of Zxavian Harris as an UDFA from Ole Miss. The move has been described as a potential low-risk, high-reward addition for depth on the defensive line.[2][3]
- Injury and recovery context: Harris had foot surgery earlier in 2026, which contributed to questions about his immediate availability. Reports suggest he was not likely to participate in rookies minicamp right away, with OTAs as his next path to practice reps.[1]
- Draft/ scouting chatter: Media coverage has highlighted Harris’s size (approximately 6’7”, around 320–338 pounds in various reports), with discussions about his potential fit as a run-stuffing interior defender and possible development as a rotational player or depth piece. Some outlets noted concerns around injury history and off-field questions affecting his draft stock.[3][4][5]
What this could mean for the Saints
- Immediate impact: As an undrafted free agent recovering from foot surgery, Harris is likely to compete for depth on the defensive line and special teams, with a longer-term upside if he recovers fully and impresses in camp and practices.[2][1]
- Competition and roster context: He faces competition from other defensive linemen in the Saints’ rotation. If his health aligns with performance, he could contribute as a run defender or big-body interior presence in early downs.[1][2]
Cited sources
- RotoWire NFL News on Harris’s status, injury, and UDFA signing context.[1]
- NFL Trade Rumors reporting Saints’ UDFA signing details and Harris’s college background.[2]
- YouTube breakdown discussing size, potential fit, and why Harris was considered a late-bloomer/undrafted prospect.[3]
- NBC Sports overview of Harris’s profile and past evaluations as a defensive lineman.[4]
If you’d like, I can summarize each source’s key quotes or pull a one-page cheat sheet with timeline, injury status, and likely camp expectations.
Sources
Mike evaluated new Saints DT Zxavian Harris, a UDFA out of Ole Miss. Michelle Gardner, an Arizona State beat writer for The Arizona Republic, joined Sports Talk. Gardner shared her thoughts on new Saints WR Jordyn Tyson, the team's eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Gardner also remembered LSU QB Sam Leavitt's time at Arizona State. Mike, Steve, and Charlie played their daily "Triple Option" segment. WWL
www.audacy.comPodcast Episode · San Francisco 49ers News Today 2 Min News The Daily News Now! · 27 February · 1m
podcasts.apple.comThe New Orleans Saints announced they have signed UDFA DL Zxavian Harris to a contract out of Ole Miss. Harris, 22, was a four-star recruit and the 20th-ranked defensive lineman in the 2022 recruiting class
nfltraderumors.coZxavian Harris has legal questions, but his talent makes him an outstanding UDFA pickup. He could be a major contributor for the Saints in his rookie season.
whodatdish.comZxavian Harris player info, news, stats, game logs, videos, fantasy, and more on NBC Sports.
www.nbcsports.comSteve and Jeff discussed the Saints' decision to sign Ole Miss DT Zxavian Harris, an undrafted free agent. Former Saints Super Bowl-winning OT Jon Stinchcomb joined Sports Talk. Stinchcomb evaluated New Orleans' 2026 NFL Draft class, highlighting a pair of former Georgia Bulldogs in DT Christen Miller and TE Oscar Delp. Steve and Jeff also recapped an exciting night of NBA Playoff action. WWL
www.audacy.comAll Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Zxavian Harris
www.nfl.comZxavian Harris NFL News & Stats
www.rotowire.comGet all the most recent Zxavian Harris player news, headlines, injury updates, transactions, and more on NBC Sports.
www.nbcsports.com