With training camp starting across the league, NFL teams are checking their 90-man rosters to see who will need to be placed on the PUP/NFI list or potentially cut to make room for new players.
At the same time, veteran free agents are scrambling to get into training camp in hopes of competing for a 53-man roster. The quicker you can get signed by a team, the easier it will be to learn the playbook and give yourself a shot to make the team out of preseason.
An ex-Atlanta Falcons defender was recently unemployed, but has found a new opportunity within the NFC South, which means he could see his former team twice this upcoming season.
Ex-Falcons DE Jonathan Bullard Signs with New Orleans Saints
On Saturday, Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported that former Falcons defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard has agreed to terms on a deal with the New Orleans Saints.
The #Saints have agreed to terms with DE Jonathan Bullard, per his agent Jon Perzley of @SPORTSTARSNYC. The former #Vikings lineman visited New Orleans last month and now officially reunites with Brandon Staley, a coach with the #Bears when Bullard played for Chicago. pic.twitter.com/c96GUmqFrS
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 19, 2025
Garafolo adds that the 31-year-old Bullard visited the Saints last month and now finds himself with an opportunity in the Big Easy. The former Falcons defender most recently played with the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent the last three years.
Bullard emerged as a full-time starter in his last two seasons with the Vikings. Last year, he had 41 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, three pass deflections, and a sack. For his career, the veteran defensive lineman isn’t much of a sack artist, as he only has 6.5 sacks in nine seasons.
Bullard is more known for his run defense, as he posted a 63.4 grade in 2024, which was good for 45th among 219 eligible defensive linemen, per PFF.
Before he got to Minnesota, the veteran defensive lineman spent one year with the Falcons in 2021. Bullard only played in nine games (four starts) during that season due to a concussion and ankle injuries.
In his limited action, the 31-year-old defender had 21 combined tackles, a quarterback hit, and a pass deflection. However, it seems Bullard has gotten past the injury bug, given his recent play with the Vikings.
Nonetheless, the former Falcons defender actually has a good chance of making New Orleans’ 53-man roster, as their depth behind the starters isn’t spectacular. If he does make it, Atlanta will have to game-plan for Bullard this season.