Toughest cuts and takeaways from our Saints 53-man roster projection
The start of New Orleans Saints training camp is just a month away, and with minicamp and OTAs behind us, we have an updated 53-man roster projection.
You can access the complete list here, but we’ve analyzed the key takeaways and the most difficult roster cuts for each position. We also explore potential practice squad returns, the risk of players being picked up by other teams, the shift away from carrying a traditional fullback in 2024, Spencer Rattler’s rise up the depth chart, and the players expected to handle punting and kicking duties this season. Find our early insights on these questions below!
Quarterbacks
On the roster: Derek Carr, Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler
Not making the cut: Nathan Peterman
The Saints prefer to maintain three quarterbacks on the roster, and although Peterman may possibly rejoin the practice squad, it is likely more beneficial for Haener and Rattler to gain experience as backups to Carr. Should Carr encounter challenges in 2024, Haener and Rattler may contend in 2025, but currently the hierarchy is firmly in place.
Running backs
On the roster: Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Jamaal Williams
On the outs: Jordan Mims, James Robinson, Jacob Kibodi
Having a fourth running back would be desirable, but none of the players the Saints recruited instilled much confidence. Perhaps one or two of them will sign with the practice squad, similar to Mims and Robinson last year. It’s crucial for Miller to take on more responsibility, as neither Kamara nor Williams possess his speed and big-play potential in the open field.
Fullbacks
On the roster: Taysom Hill
outs: Zander Horvath, Adam Prentice
Taysom Hill is now taking on more blocking responsibilities and receiving handoffs from the backfield, even though he’s not officially a fullback. It seems likely that he will be able to fulfill the fullback role effectively, potentially eliminating the need for a separate fullback on the roster.
Tight ends
On the roster: Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Dallin Holker
out: Michael Jacobson, Tommy Hudson, Jesper Horsted
Jacobson is presenting a strong argument for a spot on the roster. He possesses impressive catching abilities and fits the NFL size profile. During OTAs and minicamp, he showcased his skills with some impressive receptions. Currently, he is in direct competition with Holker for a roster spot.
Although the Saints have favored Holker, offering him more guaranteed money than any other undrafted rookie or even some draft picks, Jacobson has the potential to secure the position with a standout performance throughout the summer. While Johnson is anticipated to recover in time for Week 1 following foot surgery, there is a chance he may begin the season on an injury list.
Offensive line
On the roster: Taliese Fuaga (tackle), Nick Saldiveri (guard), Erik McCoy (center), Cesar Ruiz (guard), Trevor Penning (tackle), Lucas Patrick (guard/center), Olisaemeka Udoh (guard/tackle), Landon Young (guard/tackle), Josiah Ezirim (tackle)
outs: Shane Lemieux (guard), Nouri Nouili (guard), Mark Evans II (guard/tackle), Sincere Haynesworth (center/guard), Kyle Hergel (guard), Justin Herron (tackle)
Lemieux and Herron have both received playing time with the second-string offense, making it difficult to exclude them from consideration. The Saints may opt for experienced players and consider keeping Ezirim on the practice squad if he clears waivers. Ryan Ramczyk is expected to remain on the injury list for the season.
Wide receivers
On the roster: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, A.T. Perry, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Bub Means, Equanimeous St. Brown
outs: Stanley Morgan, Jermaine Jackson, Mason Tipton
The Saints occasionally field only five wide receivers, but assigning Taysom Hill as our fullback created an additional roster opportunity. Jackson exhibits talent in returning kicks, but he must display more during training camp; otherwise, he will likely be assigned to the practice squad. St. Brown emerged as an unexpected standout during the spring, becoming a primary option for Jake Haener in the second-string offense and concluding minicamp by receiving opportunities with the first team alongside Derek Carr.
