Saints Invites Hunter Dekkers for Quarterback Tryout at Minicamp

The New Orleans Saints are set to bring back a familiar player as they assess their quarterback depth in anticipation of mandatory minicamp. UFL quarterback Hunter Dekkers will be trying out for the team starting Tuesday, according to James Larsen from Pro Football Network. In addition to Dekkers, the Saints will also evaluate wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper, who played alongside Dekkers on the Houston Gamblers.

Hunter Dekkers is a notable candidate for the Saints due to their previous connection. He originally joined the team as an undrafted free agent last year after participating in their rookie minicamp. Dekkers spent the 2022 season on the Saints' practice squad before leaving to pursue opportunities in spring football.

The 24-year-old signal-caller had a mixed season with the Gamblers, appearing in half of their games while nursing a shoulder injury. He managed to complete 61.6% of his passes, accumulating 749 yards and throwing for three touchdowns. Additionally, he rushed for 74 yards and scored two touchdowns on the ground, which has earned him a second chance with New Orleans.

Before turning professional, Dekkers had a rollercoaster collegiate career. He passed for over 3,000 yards at Iowa State in 2022 but found himself embroiled in a gambling scandal that led to his ineligibility, prompting him to transfer to Iowa Western Community College, where he excelled and caught the attention of NFL scouts.

Currently, the Saints have solidified their quarterback lineup with Tyler Shough as the starter, backed by Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson. Should Dekkers perform well during minicamp, he might secure a place on the 90-man roster and a spot at training camp later this summer, providing a low-risk opportunity to evaluate his potential as a quarterback.