Undrafted free agency is always eventful for the New Orleans Saints. In past years, they have valued UDFA aggression over sixth and seventh round selections, even. This year, one of their UDFA signings stood out to many folks.
Former Colorado State tight end Dallin Holker was expected to get drafted. Instead, the Saints got him after the selection process concluded on Saturday.
The Saints gave Holker massive guarantees, too.
I'm told thye Saints gave TE Dallin Holker a $10,000 signing bonus and $235,000 total guaranteed. That's the highest amount of guarantees this year (Jermaine Jackson got $160,000 guaranteed) and the most since Mark Evans $241,000 guaranteed last year.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) May 1, 2024
New Orleans Saints gave Holker $235,000 in total guarantees. That decision all but ensures that Holker will be on the active roster or practice squad by the time the season rolls around.
That guaranteed total is the most that the Saints gave out during this offseason to a UDFA.
The Saints got a steal in UDFA TE Dallin Holker
Dallin Holker’s journey to Colorado State, following a transfer from BYU, marked a turning point in his career. At BYU, Holker was a freshman in 2018, took a break for a mission trip, and then missed most of the 2022 season due to an ankle injury. However, his time at Colorado State showed his potential, where he made 64 catches for 767 yards and six touchdowns.
Holker’s strengths lie in his ability to deliver in crucial moments and even against tough opposition, making him a reliable target in clutch situations. Despite his less-than-ideal explosive speed off the line, Holker’s proficiency in making plays in traffic and his effective use of size and technique in blocking make him a versatile asset. His soft hands, good catch technique, and ability to gain separation with head fakes and stutter steps are positives. — NFL Draft Buzz
Holker had some of the best hands in the entire draft class, including wide receivers. His mitts are sticky – in a legal way, though. New Orleans Saints needed TE depth behind Juwan Johnson, and Holker can give a run to Foster Moreau.
Dallin Holker making the Saints 53-man roster campaign starts … now pic.twitter.com/NPjbZ8yqfU
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) April 28, 2024
Saints sign UDFA TE Dallin Holker pic.twitter.com/xPKBTWWX6B
— Joe Horns Cell Phone (@JoeHornsPhone) April 27, 2024
Dallin Holker's focus at the catch point is incredible. Adjusts to this pass at his feet with a defender draped over him pic.twitter.com/9iWjC3oOcf
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) April 3, 2024
That being said, Moreau has a connection with Derek Carr already, and his blocking skills are much more polished than Holker’s. We also must keep in mind that Taysom Hill’s role is fluid with a new offensive coaching staff coming into New Orleans Saints. He may be listed as a TE, but he is quite unique.
All in all, Holker should be, at minimum, a red zone target in the Saints offense immediately.
Remember Jimmy Graham’s role from 2023? Holker could manage that, undoubtedly.
The Saints made off like bandits by getting Holker after the draft, and they were willing to pay up to get him in their building immediately.
