Former Virginia Football Defensive Back Jonas Sanker Inks Rookie Contract With the New Orleans Saints

Sanker was a third round pick by the Saints in this year's NFL Draft and will look to make an impact in New Orleans

Nov 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Virginia Cavaliers safety Jonas Sanker (20) returns an interception against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

After being selected in the third round of this year's NFL Draft, former Virginia defensive back Jonas Sanker has officially signed his rookie contract with the New Orleans Saints

Done Deal for @JonasSanker 💪#SaintsDraft | @UVAFootball pic.twitter.com/djNtTOr1po

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 13, 2025

Sanker is the first UVA safety to be drafted since 2019, when Juan Thornhill was chosen in the second round by the Kansas City Chiefs.  

Sanker is a two-time First Team All-ACC selection at safety, and in 2024 was also an All-America honorable mention according to Phil Steele. For his career, Sanker appeared in 43 games, starting in 33, and totaled 273 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and 17 pass breakups.

Last season, Sanker led the team in total tackles (98), solo tackles (65), tackles for loss (8.5) and fumble recoveries (2). His average of 5.4 solo tackles per game led the ACC and was good for seventh among all FBS players in 2024. He is the only player in UVA history to be named ACC Defensive Back of the Week four times in a single season. Sanker was instrumental in the Cavaliers’ 24-19 win at No. 23 Pittsburgh (Nov. 9), when he recorded a TFL on third down, blocked the ensuing field goal attempt and recorded an interception on the Panthers’ very next drive. Sanker also scored his first career touchdown on a 40-yard fumble return and added six tackles in UVA’s 24-14 home win over Boston College (Oct. 5). 

Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, Sanker was voted one of five team captains by his teammates. 

Sanker is the fifth Cavalier ever to be selected by the New Orleans Saints in the NFL draft joining DB George Stetter (1967), WR Kent Merritt (1974), OT Jim Dombrowski (1986), RB Barry Word (1986).

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