Saints sign UDFA DE Michael Heldman
The Central Michigan pass rusher heads to New Orleans.
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 13: Bryce Underwood #19 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates his first half touchdown run with teammates behind Michael Heldman #97 of the Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images The New Orleans Saints have signed Central Michigan undrafted free agent DE Michael Heldman. The 23-year-old Romeo, MI native spent all five seasons of his college career with the Chippewas after redshirting his freshman season in 2021, appearing in 53 games with 42 starts.
Heldman totaled 120 tackles (64 solo), 34. 5 tackles for loss for 137 yards, 19. 0 sacks for 99 yards, 132 total pressures, five pass breakups and four forced fumbles over that span.
Heldman earned first-team All-MAC honors as a redshirt senior this past season, recording 48 total tackles (24 solo), four pass breakups, 10. 5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 16 tackles for loss. He posted a 92.
9 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking first among 852 qualifying edge rushers in 2025. His 92. 9 pass-rush grade ranked third at the position, while his 86.