Khairi

Fortt

Rookie UDFA LB Christian French was waived/injured in a corresponding move. He will revert to injured reserve if he passes through waivers. A fourth-round pick in 2014, Fortt was waived by the Saints after a stint on injured reserve as a rookie. He was out of the league last season.

Fortt is an athletic linebacker who should fill a backup inside ‘backer role and cover kicks as a rookie. He comes with knee concerns but could develop into a starter down the line, as long as the injury bug doesn’t bite him.

Fortt (6-foot-2, 248) spent two seasons at Cal after transferring from Penn State, but played in only nine games due to a knee injury. He manned Will ‘backer for the Bears, recording 64 tackles -- 3.5 for a loss -- and a half-sack. An excellent athlete, Fortt ran 4.7-flat at the Combine with a 36-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump, pumping 30 reps on the bench. Fortt projects as an athletic inside linebacker in Rob Ryan’s 3-4 scheme, with starting capability down the road, assuming his knee holds up. He’ll likely focus on special teams as a rookie.

The fourth-round pick out of Cal was placed on I.R.-designated to return after the preseason. He would have been eligible to resume playing in Week 9. The move to waive Fortt suggests either the Saints lost hope of him returning, or something happened behind the scenes that caused them to cut ties.

Fortt won’t be able to practice until Week 6 and can’t return before Week 9 while on short-term I.R. The Saints re-signed Robert Meachem to take his roster spot.