25-07-2025
Countdown to Kickoff: Isaiah Stalbird is the Saints Player of Day 44
Stalbird brings versatility to the New Orleans defense
There are 44 days until the New Orleans Saints open their 2025 season. Head coach Kellen Moore enters his first year with New Orleans, as his team hosts the Arizona Cardinals to begin their 59th NFL campaign. Wearing No. 44 for the Saints is linebacker Isaiah Stalbird, entering his second year with New Orleans. Stalbird is our Saints Player of the Day, so here's a closer look at his background.
Despite being an all-state selection at Kearney High School in Nebraska, Stalbird was forced to walk on for the in-state Cornhuskers. After redshirting in 2018, he became a special teams standout for Nebraska in 2019. He'd transfer to FCS South Dakota State following that season. The Jackrabbits reached the FCS National Championship Game during the 2020-21 campaign, with Stalbird being one of their defensive stars. A safety during his first three collegiate seasons, Stalbird would switch to linebacker in 2021. He responded to the change by forcing 2 fumbles and being second on the team in tackles. His standout play continued for the next two years, as Stalbird was a key factor in the Jackrabbits winning the FCS National Championship in 2022, then him earning All-Missouri Valley Football Conference accolades during his final year in 2023.
Stalbird finished his South Dakota State career with 18 passes broken up and 238 tackles, including 19 for loss. Despite the production, he was not selected in the 2024 NFL draft. Instead, New Orleans signed him to an undrafted deal. Stalbird elected to stay with the Saints despite being selected in the USFL draft by the Michigan Panthers. While he didn't make the active roster for New Orleans initially, he was kept on the practice squad. Stalbird would appear in five games with the Saints as a rookie. He wouldn't see any defensive snaps but did exhibit strong play on special teams.
Isaiah Stalbird will be in the middle of fierce competition for roster spots with the Saints during training camp. He's projected to remain at linebacker, where he's undersized but possesses outstanding open field agility. Stalbird also brings the abilities of being a collegiate safety. This gives him some scheme versatility, especially in pass coverage packages.
