Wisconsin defensive lineman signs with New Orleans Saints as UDFA

Jay’viar Suggs signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on Saturday, according to his agency. Suggs makes the jump to the NFL level after a one-year stint on Wisconsin’s defensive line that quickly turned him into a weekly contributor. Suggs played in all 12 games and made 11 starts in his first season as a Badger.

Wisconsin leaned on him for 334 defensive snaps, and he delivered steady, assignment-sound work up front while the Badgers pieced together their rotation. The production came in spurts, but it included moments that mattered. Suggs finished the season with 10 tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup.

He posted his first sack as a Badger in a tough game against Michigan and logged a season-high two tackles in four different games, showing a floor of consistent effort even if the stats didn't always showcase the results. Congrats Jay’viar Suggs! Let’s go!!!

pic. twitter. com/sCC94ePWFN — US Sports Management (@USS_FOOTBALL) April 26, 2026 For Wisconsin, Suggs’ departure to the NFL shows how players can carve out roles in Madison and still get a look at the next level without massive production.