Saints cut ties with playmaking RB with 4.4-second 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical leap

The New Orleans Saints have a lot of running backs.

And because of that, on Friday, they waived one of the most naturally explosive players in their backfield.

Xazavian Valladay was the unlucky man out as the Saints make space on their roster for other positions, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Valladay is 26 and joined the Saints midway through last season. He spent his New Orleans tenure on the practice squad.

His first entry into the NFL came in 2023 as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona State. He caught eyes with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, and he also vertical leaped 40 inches.

Since then, Valladay has been under contract with the Texans, Steelers and Jets. Only with the Jets did he appear in a lone regular season game.

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The Saints' backfield is led by Alvin Kamara. It also includes established NFL running backs Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Cam Akers and Kendre Miller. 

New Orleans simply wasn't going to have space for Valladay.

The move actually could help him out in the long run if Valladay can find an NFL team with more opportunity for him to show his ability.

But for now, Valladay is without a team, and he'll have to try and work his way back into the NFL.

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