New Orleans Saints Cutting Jontre Kirklin Opens Possible UFL Opportunity
Wide receiver Jontre Kirklin was pacing for one of the best seasons for a spring football pass catcher in recent memory. His play helped him land in the NFL, but his run there has come to an end.
Kirklin was released by the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, according to reports.
New Orleans signed Kirklin in August and while he didn’t make the final roster, he was re-signed to the practice squad. He would hop between the practice squad throughout the season.
#Saints released Jontre Kirklin
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 2, 2024
The 25-year-old speedster came out of the gates strong in the XFL this past season for the Houston Roughnecks. Through his first five games in 2023, Kirklin caught 15 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 16.9 yards per catch. He also threw a 49-yard touchdown pass in the team’s Week 4 win against the Orlando Guardians.
It would be the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Sea Dragons that would be the turning point of Kirklin and the Roughnecks’ season when he suffered a chest injury. The injury would knock him out for the rest of the season. Houston finished with a 7-3 record winning the South Division before losing to the eventual XFL champions Arlington Renegades.
Kirklin was in the NFL in 2022 despite going undrafted, being signed by the Arizona Cardinals. He would end up being cut at the end of training camp by Arizona and rejoined its practice squad before being cut after one week.
Kirklin played at LSU for for five seasons. He was mainly a receiver, but even started one game at quarterback. He finished his college career with 20 catches for 313 yards and three scores. Kirklin added 67 yards rushing, 138 passing yards and three touchdown passes. The Tigers were able to capture a national championship with Kirklin on the team in 2019.
The UFL announced the eight teams joining the league on Monday, including the Roughnecks, but it will be compiled with Houston Gamblers coaches and players. This would leave Kirklin open to being a part of any of the eight teams.
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Anthony Miller has been covering professional spring football since 2019 including XFL, USFL, and CFL. He was a local news reporter in Texas before transitioning to sports. Other sites he writes for includes College Football Network and NTZ Network.