
#81 WR · New Orleans Saints
Height
6'2"
Weight
200 lbs
Age
26
College
Notre Dame
Draft
Undrafted
Experience
2 yrs
WR Rank
#152 / 309
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Rec | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 16 | 24 | 291 | 1 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 8 | 13 | 140 | 1 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 8 | 11 | 151 | 0 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 3 |
Length
4 years
Total Value
$27.7M
Guaranteed
$27.7M
AAV
$6.9M/yr
The Saints took a significant gamble by handing Kevin Austin Jr. a four-year, $27.7M deal with full guaranteed money, making this a clear overpay for a rotational receiver who hasn't proven he can handle a larger role. Austin's production profile suggests he's a solid depth piece rather than the $6.9M AAV player New Orleans is betting on, placing him well above the typical compensation for receivers in his performance tier. The fully guaranteed structure amplifies the risk considerably — if Austin doesn't develop into a consistent contributor beyond his current rotational status, the Saints are locked into paying starter money for backup production with zero escape routes. While there's upside potential given his physical tools and room for growth, paying above-average starter money for a player who hasn't demonstrated that level of impact represents poor resource allocation in a salary cap era. This C+ CVI reflects a franchise that may have confused potential with proven production, committing significant guaranteed dollars to a player whose current value doesn't justify the investment.
Kevin Austin Jr. earns a D grade as a young receiver trying to establish himself in New Orleans' passing attack. The Saints' offense has cycled through receivers, and Austin is competing for the kind of depth role that could lead to more significant snaps. His athleticism and size suggest a player who could develop into a vertical threat, but the consistency and route precision haven't materialized at the NFL level. New Orleans needs its young receivers to step up as the roster turns over, and Austin is in the conversation without being the clear answer. He's a developmental piece whose ceiling depends on putting it all together.
No transactions found for this player.
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Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
F
2025
(50% weight)
F
2024
(30% weight)
F
2023
(20% weight)