Auburn football beat writer Brian Smith highlights Kaidon Salter, a $592K QB in the transfer portal, as an ideal fit for Hugh Freeze’s offense. Freeze had previously recruited Salter to Liberty, and Smith believes the dual-threat quarterback is as close to a “plug-and-play” solution as Auburn can find. With multiple quarterbacks, including Payton Thorne, leaving the program, adding a proven transfer is now crucial for Auburn.
Salter, who stands at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, brings four years of experience from Liberty after starting his career at Tennessee. Known for his dynamic dual-threat capabilities, he can make plays with his legs and cover up any offensive missteps. Given Freeze’s preference for players he’s personally recruited, Salter’s $592K NIL valuation makes him a strong candidate to lead Auburn’s offense.
Salter could serve as a valuable stop-gap option until younger quarterbacks like Deuce Knight or Walker White are ready, potentially offering a higher ceiling for the team in 2025. Freeze may have been hesitant about large NIL investments in the past, but after the struggles at quarterback in 2024, he can’t afford to make the same mistake again.
