Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones landed a new opportunity earlier this month, signing with the New Orleans Saints for the 2025 season. For the ex-Lion, he gets a fresh start after a quiet stint with the Lions.
The 26-year-old Peoples-Jones has a challenging road to make the Saints’ final 53-man roster, but he’s already off to a great start in OTAs. According to Ross Jackson of the Locked on Saints Podcast and LouisianaSports.net, Peoples-Jones caught a touchdown on a vertical route from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
The fact that the former Lions receiver is already making plays, granted in OTAs, is a good start. Peoples-Jones has cleared one hurdle, which was winning a spot on the 90-man roster on a tryout invite at rookie minicamp.
Now he’s continuing to build his case with a play at OTAs. The Saints’ WR unit isn’t loaded as it was in Detroit, but they still have notable names such as Chris Olave, Brandin Cooks, and Rashid Shaheed.
Peoples-Jones won’t take those spots, but the rest of the WR depth in New Orleans leaves a lot to be desired. Lions fans remember the Detroit native’s time with the club as a mixed bag. When he was acquired ahead of the trade deadline in 2023, there was some excitement after what he showed with the Cleveland Browns. However, the veteran receiver had five receptions (seven targets) for 58 yards in eight games.
After a disappointing second half to the 2023 season, Peoples-Jones was given a chance to make the 53-man roster last summer. But he was cut towards the end of August and signed to the practice squad. Peoples-Jones spent the entire 2024 season on the practice squad.
The former Lions wideout has been given a new lifeline to continue his career; thus far, he’s making the most of his opportunities in the Big Easy.