Why Saints WR Kevin Austin Jr. needs a good season finale

Many players that suit up for the New Orleans Saints on Sunday won’t be on the team to start the 2025 season. But there are some that can really benefit from a good performance in week 18.

Second-year wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. is one of them. Austin Jr., formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars, was signed by the Saints in July after playing a season in the UFL with the Birmingham Stallions. He did not make the initial roster, but after being signed to the practice squad—and even being called up a few times—he was added to the active roster on Dec. 7.

And he has taken full advantage of his opportunities and settled into the WR2 role. So far, in the seven games he’s seen, he’s gotten the ball at least one time and has 10 total receptions on 21 targets for 138 yards. Austin Jr. has also shown that he can climb the ladder when necessary, despite not being considered a contested catch receiver. Just look at what he did in his very first game:

Former Birmingham Stallions WR Kevin Austin Jr was elevated to the active roster this past weekend for the New Orleans #Saints

He hauled in both targets that came his way for 36 yards including this clutch 3rd down conversion #UFL x #NFL pic.twitter.com/GtIBm0ZLPk

— United Football Media (@The_UFM) November 11, 2024

Oh, and here’s another one, taking place in week 13. This time, he showed off his route running as well as his ability to adjust:

Just for fun, here’s one more highlight:

However, one issue that stands out for Austin Jr. is his 10 catches on 21 targets, leading to moments like the ones above being once or twice a game. Some of those non-catches aren’t his fault; it could just be a bad throw from the quarterback or a great play by the defender. Even so, the reality is that his sample size is too small to accurately assess who he is as a wide receiver.

If he can log catch after catch after catch on Sunday, then that would help the Saints greatly in seeing what it is he can do and what he has the potential for. With a great performance, he could snag himself a roster spot for next year.