The New Orleans Saints announced today that they were awarded tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. In a corresponding move, the club has waived running back Velus Jones Jr..
Mitchell-Paden, 6-5, 257, was originally signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns out of Florida Atlantic. The Rockville, Md. native has spent time on the practice squad with Cleveland (2022-24) and Baltimore (2024-25). Mitchell-Paden saw his first career game action with Baltimore in 2025, appearing in six games with one start, catching one pass for three yards.
In five seasons at Notre Dame College (2017-20) and Florida Atlantic (2021), he played in 53 games (44 starts) and finished with 98 receptions for 1,295 yards (13.2 avg.) with 11 touchdowns and also blocked a punt. In his final season at FAU, he played in 12 games, finishing with nine catches for 90 yards and one touchdown, while also adding a one-yard rushing touchdown.
