Zaire Mitchell-Paden Bio
Zaire Mitchell-Paden (born August 20, 1999) is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). The Rockville, Maryland native went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft before signing with the Cleveland Browns, beginning a journeyman NFL career that has also included stints with the Baltimore Ravens. Mitchell-Paden previously starred at the collegiate level for both Notre Dame College and Florida Atlantic University, showcasing his talents as a reliable pass-catcher and physical blocker at the tight end position.
Early Life and Background
Zaire Mitchell-Paden grew up in Rockville, Maryland, where he attended Richard Montgomery High School. During his time at Richard Montgomery, Mitchell-Paden lettered in both football and basketball, developing the athletic foundation that would later serve him well on the football field. His dual-sport participation helped him build the coordination, footwork, and body control that are essential traits for an NFL tight end.
After completing high school in Maryland, Mitchell-Paden continued his academic and athletic career at the collegiate level, setting the stage for his eventual transition to professional football.
Path to American Football
Mitchell-Paden began his college football journey at Notre Dame College, where he immediately made an impact. During his true freshman season in 2017, he appeared in 10 games, recording two receptions for 16 yards along with four kick returns for 26 yards and two tackles. His contributions on special teams and as a depth player demonstrated his versatility and willingness to do whatever the team needed.
His sophomore season in 2018 marked a significant breakthrough, as Mitchell-Paden started all 14 games and established himself as a primary receiving threat. He finished that campaign with 32 receptions for 435 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make plays in the passing game at the collegiate level.
Zaire Mitchell-Paden Career
Notre Dame College (2017–2020)
Mitchell-Paden’s collegiate career reached its peak during the 2019 season, when he appeared in 13 games and delivered his most prolific receiving performance. He caught 53 passes for 573 yards and six touchdowns, demonstrating consistent production and the ability to be a focal point of the offense. His size, athleticism, and hands made him a matchup problem for opposing defenses.
The 2020 season saw Mitchell-Paden appear in all five games, compiling 14 receptions for 182 yards. Following the season, he made the decision to transfer, announcing on April 22, 2021, that he would continue his college football career at Florida Atlantic University.
Florida Atlantic (2021)
At Florida Atlantic, Mitchell-Paden adjusted to a new program and offensive system. He played in 12 games during the 2021 season, recording nine receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. While his production dipped following the transition, he continued to develop as a complete tight end, working on both his receiving skills and blocking technique.
Cleveland Browns (2022–2023)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Mitchell-Paden signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022. He demonstrated enough during training camp to earn a spot on the practice squad after being waived during final roster cuts on August 31. On January 9, 2023, Mitchell-Paden was signed to a reserve/futures contract, indicating the Browns saw potential in his development.
He spent the 2023 season with Cleveland, was waived in August, re-signed to the practice squad, and was elevated to the active roster on September 30 before returning to the practice squad. Mitchell-Paden signed another reserve/future contract in January 2024 but was waived by the Browns in August 2024.
Baltimore Ravens (2024–2025)
Mitchell-Paden signed with the Baltimore Ravens practice squad on September 16, 2024, returning to his home state of Maryland. He signed a reserve/future contract with Baltimore in January 2025, and after being waived during final roster cuts, he was re-signed to the practice squad.
His perseverance paid off when Mitchell-Paden was elevated to the active roster for Week 1 of the 2025 season, making his official NFL debut in a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Buffalo Bills. He played 15 snaps, including a key block on a Derrick Henry touchdown run that highlighted his value as a special teams contributor and willing blocker. Mitchell-Paden was signed to the active roster on September 27, 2025, but was waived by the Ravens on October 23.
New Orleans Saints (2025–Present)
On October 24, 2025, Mitchell-Paden was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints, joining his third NFL franchise. He made two appearances for New Orleans, recording one reception for 14 yards before being placed on season-ending injured reserve on January 2, 2026, due to a knee injury. Despite the injury setback, Mitchell-Paden continues his recovery as a member of the Saints organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 5 inches and 257 pounds, Mitchell-Paden possesses the prototypical size NFL teams seek in a tight end. His career path demonstrates his resilience and ability to stick in the league through special teams contributions and willingness to play multiple offensive roles. His experience as both a pass-catcher and blocker gives him versatility that coaches value in roster construction.
Notable Events and Milestones
Mitchell-Paden’s first NFL game appearance with the Baltimore Ravens against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 of the 2025 season represented a significant milestone after going undrafted in 2022. His key block contributing to a Derrick Henry touchdown run showcased his ability to make an impact in limited opportunities. The block highlighted the physical playing style that has defined his journey through the NFL.
Zaire Mitchell-Paden Career Statistics
Across his NFL career through Week 10 of the 2025 season, Mitchell-Paden has appeared in limited game action, primarily contributing on special teams and short-yardage situations. His career reception totals reflect his role as a depth tight end rather than a primary receiving option.
College Highlights
At Notre Dame College, Mitchell-Paden built a four-year career spanning 47 games with 101 total receptions for 1,206 yards and 10 touchdowns. His most productive season came in 2019 when he caught 53 passes for 573 yards and six scores. At Florida Atlantic in 2021, he added nine receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Mitchell-Paden has recorded two career receptions for 17 receiving yards across his time with the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints.
Zaire Mitchell-Paden Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public records do not provide detailed information about Mitchell-Paden’s family background or racing lineage. Information regarding his parents, siblings, or family connections to athletics is not available in publicly documented sources.
Personal Life
Mitchell-Paden was born on August 20, 1999, in Rockville, Maryland, making him 26 years old as of 2025. He graduated from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville before pursuing his college football career. Public sources do not provide information about his marital status, spouse, or children.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented Mitchell-Paden’s most significant NFL opportunity to date. After beginning the year with the Baltimore Ravens organization, he earned a promotion from the practice squad to the active roster following his Week 1 debut against the Buffalo Bills. His performance on special teams and as a blocking tight end earned him continued opportunities.
Following his waiver from the Ravens in late October, Mitchell-Paden joined the New Orleans Saints and immediately contributed with a 14-yard reception in limited playing time. However, the season ended prematurely when he was placed on injured reserve in early January 2026 due to a knee injury. The injury cut short his most productive NFL campaign and will require rehabilitation heading into the 2026 season.
As Mitchell-Paden continues his career with the New Orleans Saints, he will look to build upon his 2025 experience and establish himself as a reliable depth option at the tight end position. His journey from undrafted free agent to consistent NFL roster contributor demonstrates the perseverance required to maintain a professional football career.