Saints sign edge rusher Chris Rumph II to strengthen defense
04/28/2025
By Ross Jackson
As the New Orleans Saints shift to their new defensive system, the team is looking to add talent to its roster to better execute their 3-4 approach.
The Saints announced Monday afternoon that they have signed former Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Chris Rumph II.
Welcome to New Orleans @ChrisR_II! pic.twitter.com/zRCC5Dm79q
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 28, 2025
In his three years, he has totaled just three sacks. However, his role has been specifically rotational, playing a career-high 33% of defensive snaps in 2023. His lack of snaps have been the result of injury as well. Rumph was drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was drafted by now Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
Rumph has had a pair of season ending injuries in the league. He was placed on injured reserve in 2023 with a fractured foot and went to injured reserve again in the 2024 preseason with another injury.
The former Duke Blue Devil is a 6-foot-2, 244 pound speed rusher that can get around the edge in a hurry when healthy. He totaled 17.5 sacks and 35 tackles for a loss during his three collegiate seasons with Duke.
He joins a crowded defensive line room that’s sure to undergo some changes ahead of the season. He’ll be fighting for a roster spot, but doing so with a familiar coach and in a familiar scheme.
The Saints are likely to see some accompanying transactions to make room for their larger UDFA class and Rumph. Expect some releases and terminations to be on the way soon.