Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes as NFL teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season? It’s a cutthroat business, literally, as franchises have to make difficult decisions and part ways with talented players to meet the league-mandated roster limit. In this article, we’ll delve into the recent roster moves made by the New Orleans Saints as they finalize their 53-man roster for the 2024 NFL season.
The Saints, led by General Manager Mickey Loomis, had a challenging task ahead of them, evaluating players’ performances throughout training camp and preseason games. Ultimately, they had to trim down from a larger pool of hopefuls to a select group deemed ready to contribute to the team’s success.
Saints Release 12 Players in Initial Roster Reduction
The first wave of cuts saw the Saints release 12 players, terminating their contracts. These players, ranging in experience from rookies to seasoned veterans, were deemed surplus to the team’s needs in the current roster configuration.
Here’s a look at the players who were released:
| Name | Pos. | Height | Weight | Age | Exp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnathan Abram | S | 5-11 | 205 | 27 | 6 | Mississippi State |
| Ugo Amadi | S | 5-9 | 201 | 27 | 6 | Oregon |
| Tremayne Anchrum Jr. | G | 6-2 | 314 | 26 | 5 | Clemson |
| Jesse Davis | T | 6-6 | 321 | 32 | 7 | Idaho |
| Andrew Dowell | LB | 6-1 | 225 | 27 | 4 | Michigan State |
| Khaleke Hudson | LB | 6-0 | 220 | 26 | 5 | Michigan |
| Shane Lemieux | G/C | 6-4 | 310 | 27 | 5 | Oregon |
| Stanley Morgan Jr. | WR | 6-0 | 205 | 27 | 5 | Nebraska |
| James Robinson | RB | 5-9 | 219 | 26 | 4 | Illinois State |
| Equanimeous St. Brown | WR | 6-5 | 214 | 27 | 6 | Notre Dame |
| Roderic Teamer | S | 6-0 | 205 | 27 | 5 | Tulane |
| Joejuan Williams | CB | 6-3 | 213 | 26 | 5 | Vanderbilt |
These cuts reflect the competitive nature of professional football, where even players with significant experience can find themselves looking for new teams.
Saints Waive 20 Players in Second Round of Cuts
Following the initial roster reduction, the Saints continued to fine-tune their lineup by waiving an additional 20 players. These players, many of whom were undrafted free agents or late-round draft picks, were hoping to make an impression and secure a spot on the final roster. However, they faced stiff competition from more experienced players or those who better fit the team’s current schemes.
While being waived can be a setback, it’s not necessarily the end of the road for these young athletes. They could be claimed by other teams or potentially earn a spot on the Saints’ practice squad, providing a valuable opportunity to continue their development.
Here’s a look at the players who were waived:
| Name | Pos. | Height | Weight | Age | Exp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Austin Jr. | WR | 6-2 | 200 | 24 | 1 | Notre Dame |
| Millard Bradford | S | 5-10 | 191 | 24 | R | TCU |
| Shaq Davis | WR | 6-5 | 215 | 24 | 1 | South Carolina State |
| Mark Evans II | OL | 6-4 | 295 | 24 | 1 | Arkansas-Pine Bluff |
| Josiah Ezirim | T | 6-6 | 329 | 23 | R | Eastern Kentucky |
| Mason Fairchild | TE | 6-4 | 260 | 22 | R | Kansas |
| Lou Hedley | P | 6-4 | 220 | 31 | 2 | Miami (Fla.) |
| Jack Heflin | DT | 6-3 | 304 | 26 | 2 | Iowa |
| Kyle Hergel | G | 6-2 | 315 | 24 | R | Boston College |
| Michael Jacobson | TE | 6-7 | 244 | 27 | 1 | Iowa State |
| Shemar Jean-Charles | DB | 5-10 | 184 | 26 | 4 | Appalachian State |
| Lawrence Johnson | S | 6-0 | 205 | 24 | R | Southeast Missouri State |
| Jacob Kibodi | RB | 6-1 | 225 | 25 | R | Louisiana |
| Niko Lalos | DE | 6-5 | 269 | 27 | 2 | Dartmouth |
| Mac McCain | CB | 6-0 | 185 | 26 | 2 | North Carolina A&T |
| Samson Nacua | WR | 6-3 | 206 | 26 | 1 | BYU |
| Monty Rice | LB | 6-0 | 233 | 25 | 4 | Georgia |
| Mike Rose | LB | 6-4 | 250 | 24 | 1 | Iowa State |
| Charlie Smyth | K | 6-4 | 210 | 23 | R | International Pathway Program |
| Isaiah Stalbird | LB | 6-1 | 215 | 24 | South Dakota |
Injured Reserve and PUP List Designations
In addition to the players released or waived, the Saints made further roster moves by placing four players on Injured Reserve and two on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. These designations indicate that these players are dealing with injuries or physical conditions that prevent them from participating fully in team activities.
Players placed on Injured Reserve are sidelined for the entire season, while those on the PUP list can be activated later in the year if they recover sufficiently.
Here are the players placed on Injured Reserve:
| Name | Pos. | Height | Weight | Age | Exp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kendre Miller | RB | 6-0 | 220 | 22 | 2 | TCU |
| Camron Peterson | DT | 6-5 | 280 | 24 | 1 | Southern |
| Kevin Rader | TE | 6-4 | 250 | 29 | 4 | Youngstown State |
| Rejzohn Wright | CB | 6-2 | 193 | 23 | 1 | Oregon State |
Here are the players placed on the PUP list:
| Name | Pos. | Height | Weight | Age | Exp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanoh Kpassagnon | DE | 6-7 | 289 | 30 | 8 | Villanova |
| Nephi Sewell | LB | 6-0 | 228 | 25 | 2 | Utah |
The Final 53-Man Roster: A Glimpse into the Saints’ Strategy
With the roster now at 53 players, the Saints’ coaching staff can focus on refining their game plan and preparing for the regular season. The composition of the final roster provides insights into the team’s offensive and defensive strategies, as well as the specific roles envisioned for individual players.
You can view the full roster, including player photos and information, on the official New Orleans Saints website.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints’ journey to finalize their 53-man roster involved difficult choices, tough cuts, and strategic considerations. As they embark on the 2024 NFL season, the team, the fans, and the city of New Orleans eagerly await to see how these roster decisions translate onto the field. Will the Saints’ gamble on youth and potential pay off, or will the absence of some veteran presence be felt? Only time will tell as the Saints march toward another exciting season of NFL football.