Barion Brown Emerging as Key Player for the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints made a significant pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Jordyn Tyson in the first round, teaming him up with Chris Olave to provide quarterback Tyler Shough with two impressive receiving options. However, it is their sixth-round pick, Barion Brown, who is grabbing the attention at training camp.
Recently, head coach Kellen Moore commended Brown’s performance, and Brown followed up with a remarkable play. He captured a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Spencer Rattler during the end of a two-minute drill, showcasing his potential.
Initially starting camp with the second team, Brown has progressively earned more first-team repetitions. This increase in playing time could indicate a significant role for him with the Saints in the 2026 season.
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In 2023, Brown was recognized with first-team All-American and second-team All-SEC honors at Kentucky. During that season, he amassed 539 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 43 receptions, alongside 576 kickoff return yards and three return touchdowns. The following year at Kentucky, he received first-team All-SEC honors again before transferring to LSU for his senior year. There, he collected 532 receiving yards and a touchdown on 53 catches and added 445 kickoff return yards and another return score.
Over his four college seasons, split between Kentucky and LSU, Brown achieved 2,060 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns, 1,910 kickoff return yards, and six return touchdowns. His dynamic abilities made him a notable addition on special teams when drafted by New Orleans, yet he is swiftly earning a significant role in the offensive lineup.
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After practice, Moore expressed admiration for the connection between Rattler and Brown. “Barion did a great job adjusting to that ball, tracking it. Those are deep balls, and the ball usually tails one way or another because the QB is running, so awesome job making a play,” Moore explained.
There is still much to happen before Week 1, but Brown holds a promising chance to secure the No. 3 receiver position. His main competition for targets includes Devaughn Vele and fourth-round pick Bryce Lance.