Jay’viar Suggs signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on Saturday, according to his agency. Suggs makes the jump to the NFL level after a one-year stint on Wisconsin’s defensive line that quickly turned him into a weekly contributor.
Suggs played in all 12 games and made 11 starts in his first season as a Badger. Wisconsin leaned on him for 334 defensive snaps, and he delivered steady, assignment-sound work up front while the Badgers pieced together their rotation.
The production came in spurts, but it included moments that mattered. Suggs finished the season with 10 tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup. He posted his first sack as a Badger in a tough game against Michigan and logged a season-high two tackles in four different games, showing a floor of consistent effort even if the stats didn't always showcase the results.
Congrats Jay’viar Suggs! Let’s go!!! pic.twitter.com/sCC94ePWFN
— US Sports Management (@USS_FOOTBALL) April 26, 2026
For Wisconsin, Suggs’ departure to the NFL shows how players can carve out roles in Madison and still get a look at the next level without massive production. For Suggs, the Saints offered a chance to stick as a depth defensive lineman and special teams option after proving he could handle starter reps in the Big Ten.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football Jay'viar Suggs NFL sign New Orleans Saints