Just 36 days stand between now and 2024 season kickoff time for the New Orleans Saints.
That makes the Saints player of the day Rico Payton, who wears the No. 36 jersey. Here’s everything to know about the former Pittsburg State cornerback:
- Name (Age): Rico Payton (24)
- Position: Cornerback
- Height, weight: 6-foot, 182 pounds
- Relative Athletic Score: 8.36
- 2024 salary cap hit: $800,000
- College: Pittsburg State (Kansas)
- Drafted: Undrafted in 2024 (New Orleans Saints)
- NFL experience: Rookie
Payton, an undrafted free agent out of Pittsburg State opens the rookie season of his NFL career in 2024 with the New Orleans Saints after a successful run with the Pittsburg State Gorillas at the college level.
Payton, 24, originally committed to Southern Illinois out of Lindbergh High School, but transferred after a single season with the team.
He comes off a final season with the Gorillas in which he totaled 35 tackles (23 solo), 4 interceptions and 16 pass break-ups en route to earning 2023 NCAA Division II Second Team All-American honors from the AFCA.
Payton was also nominated for the Division II 2023 Cliff Harris Award, which is presented annually to exceptional defensive players in small college football programs.
The former Gorilla was a two-time All-MIAA Selection, finishing out his career with 64 total tackles (46 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 26 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
It will be interesting to watch how he can develop as a depth piece for the Saints’ secondary, and if he can carve out a bigger spot for himself ultimately as an underdog.
