Canadian wide receiver Damien Alford has signed with the New Orleans Saints, according to NFL sources.
He practiced for the New York Jets on Friday, November 21, and for the Saints on Wednesday, November 26 – New Orleans offered him a guaranteed signing bonus, which attracted serious interest. The Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos wanted to invite Alford to work out, but he politely declined, knowing the Saints had promised a contract.
The 24-year-old played 15 regular season games and one playoff game for the Calgary Stampeders in his rookie CFL season in 2025. He recorded 20 receptions for 407 yards with five touchdowns while averaging 20.4 yards per catch.
Alford was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 CFL Draft by the Stamps. 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 return to the class of 2025.
Alford played four games for the University of Utah in 2024, making one start but recording no receptions. Montreal, Que. Native spent his first four collegiate seasons at Syracuse University, recording 67 receptions for 1,291 yards and seven touchdowns for the Orange. He served as team captain during his 2023 junior season.
The Miami Dolphins brought Alford to the team's local pro day on Friday, April 11 of last year. The six-foot-five, 224-pounder left the 2025 CFL Combine to attend the Big 12 pro day in Frisco, Texas. He recorded a 4.46-second 40-yard dash time, posted a 4.46-second shuttle, a 7.06-second three-cone throw, a 32-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot, six-inch broad jump and 11 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
Alford coached for the New York Jets and 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 end of his rookie contract; he will have to return to Calgary if his NFL opportunities end before 2028.
The Saints failed to make the NFL playoffs, finishing last in the NFC South with a 6–11 record. Alford is represented by Nate Thomas of Vantage Sports.
