Former UFL Star Signs with Saints to Address Injury Concerns
The New Orleans Saints have bolstered their linebacker roster in response to a recent wave of injuries on defense. On Monday night, it was reported that the Saints will sign Mike Rose, who shined in the United Football League this past spring, as first noted by ML Football.
Head coach Dennis Allen confirmed over the weekend that the New Orleans defense is dealing with several injuries, including linebackers Demario Davis (hamstring) and Pete Werner (shoulder). While neither injury is severe, both players will be sidelined for a bit as a precaution. Consequently, the Saints evaluated three linebackers on Monday before opting to sign Rose.
Rose played for the St. Louis Battlehawks over the last two springs in both the UFL and XFL. The Battlehawks clinched their division in the XFL this past spring with a 7-3 record, although they were eliminated in the playoffs by the San Antonio Brahmas. The team was coached by former NFL player Anthony Becht, alongside defensive assistants Chris Claiborne and La’Roi Glover.
In the spring, Rose emerged as a defensive standout for the Battlehawks, recording 48 tackles (30 solo), two interceptions, and a forced fumble over seven games. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he achieved the third-highest overall grade and the third-best coverage grade among UFL defenders.
Rose, 24, stands tall at 6’4″ and weighs 250 pounds. He played college football at Iowa State, where he earned First Team All-Big 12 honors twice and was named the 2020 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Rose was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs but was let go during training camp. He joined the Battlehawks in 2023 and later signed with the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, only to be released again before the regular season began.
The New Orleans Saints will kick off their preseason schedule this Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals.
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