New Orleans Saints Sign Zander Horvath, Per Reports

Saints add a new name to their backfield and Klint Kubiak's offense.

The New Orleans Saints are signing fullback Zander Horvath, in an announcement made on Thursday afternoon. This news comes on the heels of the Saints re-signing veteran S Tyrann Mathieu to a two-year contract extension. 

Horvath, 25, was a collegiate fullback for Purdue from 2017 to 2021 and was third-team All-Big 10 in 2020. In four years with the Boilermakers, he rushed for 1,181 yards and eight touchdowns while catching 68 passes for 592 yards and a score.

Horvath was a seventh-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2022 NFL Draft. In his rookie year with the Chargers, Horvath appeared in 15 games, starting two. He had four rushing attempts for eight yards while catching five of eight targets for eight yards and two touchdowns. 

Released by the Chargers at the end of last preseason, Horvath started 2023 on the practice squad of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was released by Pittsburgh at mid-season, but re-signed to the Chargers practice squad. He did not see any action during the 2023-24 season. 

Dec 30, 2021; Purdue Boilermakers running back Zander Horvath (40) runs after a catch against the Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

At 6'3" and 230-Lbs., Horvath surprised scouts with his athleticism and receiving skills leading up to the draft. The fullback position is often used in pass catching duties by Klint Kubiak, the new Saints offensive coordinator. 

Adam Prentice has been the primary fullback for New Orleans since 2021. In three years with the Saints, Prentice has nine rushes for 26 yards and eight receptions for 37 yards. He has not reached the end zone. Prentice is a restricted free agent heading into this offseason. 

NFL free agency officially begins on March 13. Zander Horvath adds a new face to the New Orleans backfield. Whether they retain Prentice or not, the Saints have a more athletic fullback for Kubiak's system.