Saints Veterans Down To Their Last Chance

These Saints veterans may need an outstanding performance in the preseason finale against Houston for even a chance at a roster spot.

NFL roster cuts are Tuesday, August 29, when all teams must trim their rosters to 53 players. Preceding that are this weekend's final round of preseason games. The New Orleans Saints host the Houston Texans on Sunday night in the very last contest of the 2023 preseason. 

Every year there are established veterans released from teams. Some get picked up by other squads, while others see their careers come to an end. The Saints, who are 2-0 this preseason, have some tough roster decisions facing them. Some are with veterans that may need a miraculous performance against the Texans to hold on to a job.

Here are a few veteran Saints whose tenure with the team seems to be hanging by a thread.

Johnathan Abram, S 

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) is tackled by New Orleans Saints safety Johnathan Abram (24). Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

A former first-round choice in 2019 with the Raiders, Abram hoped to revive his career when signing with the Saints. He's done anything but that, being mostly invisible through training camp and preseason.

Abram was among a trio of veteran safeties brought in this offseason that also included Lonnie Johnson and Ugo Amadi. In two preseason games, he has four tackles and has not broken up a pass.

A physical safety, Abram can pack a punch in run support near the line of scrimmage. However, he lacks range and has been a liability in coverage throughout his career. Unfortunately, those traits were often on display this preseason. 

Zack Baun, LB 

New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun looks on during training camp at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

A third-round choice in 2020, Baun has primarily been a special teams contributor. With the offseason departure of Kaden Elliss, he was given the first shot at earning the third linebacker spot to complement Demario Davis and Pete Werner. 

Always a poor fit for this defensive scheme, Baun was decent against the run and supplied occasional QB pressures but was atrocious in coverage. His coverage struggles have continued this preseason, but he's also been out of position several times against the run. 

New Orleans signed veteran LB Jaylon Smith two weeks ago, who seems slated for the third linebacker job. Making matters worse for Baun has been the emergence of linebackers Nephi Sewell, D'Marco Jackson, Ty Summers, Ryan Connelly, and Anfernee Orji. Even with a knee injury to Connelly, there just doesn't seem to be a fit for Baun on this unit. 

Lucas Krull, TE

New Orleans Saints tight end Lucas Krull (87) tries to allude Los Angeles Chargers safety JT Woods (22). Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

An undrafted rookie from Pitt in 2022, Krull managed to make the Saints practice squad. Some thought he'd have a legitimate chance to make the active roster this year.

Krull has made some spectacular catches in practice and against the Chargers last Sunday. He's also proven to be a capable open field runner after short passes. However, he's also failed to make routine plays and hasn't been a factor at all as a blocker. 

The signing of veteran Jimmy Graham at the beginning of training camp significantly reduced Krull's chances of making the roster. He simply hasn't done nearly enough to overtake the 36-year-old Graham and earn a spot.

Darrel Williams, RB 

New Orleans Saints running back Darrel Williams (34) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY

Signed only 11 days ago, Williams has a lot of ground to make up in a short period of time. Williams played only the second half against the Chargers, carrying the ball eight times for 17 yards and catching one pass for four yards. He was also the victim of poor blocking from an underachieving backup offensive line.

Williams, 28, was a productive back in Andy Reid's Kansas City Chiefs offense just two years ago. The John Ehret High School grad and LSU standout is a terrific receiver, good in space, and can run between the tackles. 

With Alvin Kamara serving a three-game suspension to start the season, Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller will handle backfield duties. The Saints will carry at least one extra back for depth until Kamara returns. 

Williams brings good versatility to the position. However, undrafted rookie Ellis Merriweather has played extremely well in both preseason contests. Williams has the obvious edge in experience, but that may not be enough to overtake Merriweather if the Saints carry just one extra running back into the year.

Williams is also dealing with groin injury that's had him sit out the last two days of practice. If healthy, he may need to shine against Houston for a shot at the active roster. 

''Can't Make the Club from the Tub''

• Tre'Quan Smith, WR

• Jesse James, TE 

Jul 31, 2023; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith (10) reaches for a pass during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

James has been out of action the last two weeks with a groin injury. His chances to make the team were already significantly reduced when the team signed Graham. 

Smith has literally been invisible, missing the last 12 practices and both preseason games with a groin injury. He's been figuratively invisible through most of his five-year career, averaging less than two catches and 26 yards per outing over 66 games played. 

Despite multiple opportunities to secure the Number 2 or 3 wideout spot, Smith has been a consistent disappointment. The Saints may have finally found players to take his job. Rookie WR A.T. Perry, a sixth-round pick, has all but secured a spot. Keith Kirkwood, Lynn Bowden, and undrafted rookie Shaq Davis have also had nice moments throughout camp practices and both games. 

Entering the last year of his contract, Smith would cost the team around $1.7 million against their salary cap if released or traded (Sean Payton, are you watching?). It would feel absurd if he were actually kept on the roster. However, injured reserve could also be a strong possibility.