SIU cornerback Jeremiah McClendon signs with New Orleans Saints

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Shortly after the draft ended on Saturday night, Southern Illinois cornerback Jeremiah McClendon signed a free-agent contract with the New Orleans Saints.

McClendon said the Saints reached out earlier today to express interest and again during the seventh round. The Florida native said he had no hesitation to sign with the franchise and can’t wait to begin his pro career.

“I told them I'm ready to go, let's get this done,” said McClendon. "I'm beyond excited."

McClendon, who is coming off an All-American season at Southern, will get his first opportunity to impress the Saints during rookie camp that begins May 7.

“I’m coming into mini-camp head first," he said. "Every time I step on the field, I want to take advantage of the opportunity that I have to show my best talent. I’ll play every snap like it’s my last snap.”

Only four players from FCS teams were selected in this year’s NFL Draft, including two from North Dakota State, a program that will move up to the FBS in 2026.

4th Round

104 DT Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana (Cardinals)

136 WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State (Saints)

5th Round

163 CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin (Vikings)

178 QB Cole Payton, North Dakota State (Eagles)

Last year, there were 15 FCS picks. There were no FCS players selected in the first three rounds of the draft, something that hasn’t happened since the early days of I-AA football in 1980.

SIU currently has two active players in the NFL — safety Jeremy Chinn (Las Vegas Raiders) is entering his seventh season in the league, while safety PJ Jules (Cincinnati Bengals) begins his third season.