Canadian receiver Damien Alford has signed with the New Orleans Saints, per NFL sources.
He worked out for the New York Jets on Friday, November 21, and the Saints on Wednesday, November 26 — New Orleans offered him a guaranteed signing bonus, which showed serious interest. The Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos wanted to bring Alford in for workouts, but he politely declined, knowing there was a contract promised by the Saints.
The 24-year-old suited up in 15 regular-season games and one playoff game for the Calgary Stampeders in 2025, his rookie CFL season. He recorded 20 receptions for 407 yards with five touchdowns while posting a 20.4 yards per catch average.
Alford was selected first overall by the Stamps in the 2025 CFL Draft. He initially deferred his CFL Draft eligibility from 2025 to 2026 as he planned to transfer to Florida Atlantic University. However, the big target changed course, deciding to re-enter the 2025 class.
Alford played four games at the University of Utah in 2024 while making one start, though he did not record any receptions. The Montreal, Que. native played his first four collegiate seasons at Syracuse University, recording 67 receptions for 1,291 yards and seven touchdowns with the Orange. He was a team captain during his junior season in 2023.
The Miami Dolphins brought Alford to the team’s local pro day on Friday, April 11, last year. The six-foot-five, 224-pounder pulled out of the 2025 CFL Combine to attend the Big 12 pro day in Frisco, TX. He recorded a 4.46-second 40-yard time, posted a 4.46-second shuttle, 7.06-second three-cone, 32-inch vertical, 10-foot, six-inch broad jump and repped 225 pounds on the bench press 11 times.
Alford worked out for the New York Jets and the Saints following the 2025 CFL season and impressed enough to sign a futures contract with New Orleans. The Stampeders retain his CFL rights through the remainder of his rookie contract; he will have to return to Calgary should his NFL opportunities end prior to 2028.
The Saints failed to qualify for the NFL playoffs, finishing last in the NFC South with a 6-11 record. Alford’s represented by Nate Thomas from Vantage Sports.
