New Orleans Saints sign Chris Rumph II

Chris Rumph II earns a C Contract Value Index (CVI) for his signing with the Saints, a middling transaction that reflects the realistic constraints of a team operating near the salary floor and in need of depth rotation on the defensive line. At $2M AAV, this is a low-cost, low-risk commitment—the kind of deal that carries minimal cap consequence if Rumph underperforms or gets released. The value equation here is straightforward: the Saints are paying a depth-piece rate for a defender who projects as a rotational edge contributor rather than a three-down starter, which is fair market value for that role. However, the CVI grade sits at neutral-to-slightly-cautious territory because there's no upside leverage built into the deal—no incentive structure tied to production, no team-friendly escalators, and no indication this is an undermarket signing of a breakout talent. For a franchise currently sitting at 6-11 and likely looking to supplement bodies rather than unlock immediate on-field impact, this is a pragmatic if uninspired use of cap real estate. The Saints are making a calculated, low-ceiling move that fits their current financial position, but it's unlikely to materially move the needle on either side of the ball.