Keep Updated: Saints Final Roster Cuts and Reactions

Final roster cuts will be coming in soon enough for the Saints, as they have to go from 90 to 53 players.

Aug 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints Dennis Allen looks on against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints coaching staff put their heads together on Monday to try to make some tough decisions for their final roster, and it's imperative that they get it right. The players were off, and now they await their fate ahead of Tuesday's roster cutdown deadline at 3 p.m. CT. Keep track of all the moves here along with some insight and reactions to the news.

New Orleans Saints Final Roster Cuts Tracker

Aug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Jacob Kibodi (35) reacts to scoring a touchdown against Tennessee Titans safety Keaton Ellis (31) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

1. Lou Hedley, P (source) - I took Matthew Hayball in my final 53-man roster projection. I saw some signs that this could have been the case. I also charted every single punt in training camp. The Saints got plenty of operational work in with their field goal team with Blake Grupe using Hayball. He's got the stronger leg. It's not totally set in stone that the change has been made, but it's a good indication of what's coming.
2. Roderic Teamer, S (source) - I thought he could get some looks for special teams, but didn't put him on my initial 53. He could be a viable candidate for the practice squad.
3. Mike Rose, LB (source) - He was a late addition in camp, but definitely had some good standout moments. This is very crowded linebacker room, and there's going to be good players left off the list.
4. Isiah Stablird, LB (source) - He was one of my favorites entering training camp, but the ankle injury is what set him back. He's someone who could land on the practice squad and even be used early on for elevations.
5. James Robinson, RB (source) - This was a likely move, not because Robinson didn't have some good moments in camp, but based on the play of Jordan Mims, who was clearly ahead. He could be a practice squad contender, but the Saints might have to choose between him and Jacob Kibodi.
6. Jacob Kibodi, RB (source) - He made some good movement towards the back half of training camp, including the nice preseason outing against the Titans. It's a tough business, but the practice squad could be an option.
7. Jesse Davis, OL (source) - The Saints added the veteran when injuries hit, and he worked at a few different positions. New Orleans needs to figure out their offensive line.
8. Ugo Amadi, DB (source) - Tough camp for Amadi, especially with the injury. He is versatile in the sense that he could be the backup in the slot, but this might be a good sign for Kool-Aid McKinstry. Amadi can also play special teams and could be a strong consideration for the practice squad.
9. Joejuan Williams, CB (source) - Another late addition to camp, but made the most of his opportunities. He should find more work.
10. Tremayne Anchrum, OL (source) - Like Davis, he joined the team when injuries hit. There's plenty of things to sort out on the offensive line, and New Orleans needs to get their depth right.
11. Kyle Hergel, OL (source) - Promising undrafted rookie who showed some good things in camp and was a sponge. He got some first-team reps, but in the end, he doesn't get in. He remains an option for the practice squad, but has to clear waivers first.
12. Josiah Ezirim, OT (source) - The rookie offensive lineman could be an easy candidate or the practice squad to give him some more time to develop, but he's officially the first draft pick that gets waived.
13. Lawrence Johnson, S (source) - A crowded safety group made this pretty tough. I thought Johnson made some strides in training camp, but the deck was stacked against him. He could be a practice squad consideration.
14. Shemar Jean-Charles, CB (source) - I'm really surprised by this one. I thought he would be CB No. 5 in the rotation and be the new Isaac Yiadom. He even ran with the first team. This could be a good sign for the health of the room or also a good sign for Rico Payton.
15. Charlie Smyth, K (source) - Valiant effort from Charlie Smyth in training camp, especially for a guy that just started kicking really. The late groin injury could have played into this, but if he can get back on the practice squad, he'll develop.
16. Jack Heflin, DT (source) - He would be a prime candidate for the practice squad, and with Khalen Saunders' injury, that could be an easy elevation.
17. Mark Evans, OL (source) - Evans spent a ton of time on the practice squad last year, and he could be back there after it's all said and done.
18. Millard Bradford, DB (source) - Like Lawrence Johnson, the group ahead of him had the deck stacked against him. He could grow with some development, but it'll have to be on the practice squad.
19. Michael Jacobson, TE (source) - He had a hot start to OTAs and minicamp, but that preseason finale against the Titans was rough with the penalties and a drop.
20. Shane Lemieux, OL (source) - A lot of us had him on the final roster. and now it's becoming more evident that New Orleans might be going outside the building for answers.
21. Johnathan Abram, S (source) - Abram was a potential starter for the safety room, but now that looks like it isn't the case. There's a report that they want him back on the practice squad, so this might mean Jordan Howden or Will Harris will be the guy alongside Tyrann Mathieu.
22. Khaleke Hudson, LB (source) - Another surprising move, as Hudson did pretty well in training camp. He could be a practice squad candidate if another team doesn't get him. This could also be a case of formulating the initial roster and then bringing a player back.
23. Samson Nacua, WR (source) - Not a bad outing and effort from Nacua, who had a very entertaining almost kickoff return. He should find some work soon.
24. Equanimeous St. Brown, WR (source) - I thought St. Brown would get in based on blocking, but this could mean they like what they've seen from Cedrick Wilson Jr. more. Also thought St. Brown's final preseason game helped secure a spot, but nope.
25. Niko Lalos, DE (source) - A tougher cut, I was told. Lalos came to work and put his head down. He could end up back on the practice squad, but the effort was there consistently.
26. Kevin Austin Jr., WR (source) - He had some really hot moments in camp, and I thought he had a really good chance with his special teams upside, but the inconsistency hurt him.
27. Mac McCain, DB - Crowded secondary and they chose Rico Payton.
28. Monty Rice, LB - If he didn't get injured, then I think he could have made the squad. He had a solid camp and is further proof of the work Michael Hodges is doing with that group.
29. Shaq Davis, WR - Another late addition to the mix in the receiver room. He spent time learning the playbook and didn't really get too many opportunities. We'll see where he ends up.
30. Mason Fairchild, TE - The Saints are set at tight end, as Dallin Holker is expected to be ready for Week 1.
31. Stanley Morgan Jr., WR - Came in to work everyday after having to deal with injuries early on. He has some special team prowess that could help
32. Andrew Dowell, LB - Came in very late due to injuries. He was coming off a major injury and the Saints kept tabs on him. He could be an easy addition to the practice squad and could be elevated if D'Marco Jackson's injury lingers.

Veterans who were released are free to sign with another team, whereas the younger players without the accured experience are subject to waivers. Veterans include: Johnathan Abram, Ugo Amadi, Tremayne Anchrum Jr., Jesse Davis, Andrew Dowell, Khaleke Hudson, Shane Lemieux, Stanley Morgan Jr., James Robinson, Equanimeous St. Brown, Roderic Teamer and Joejuan Williams.

Other Saints News

• Khalen Saunders is expected to be out a couple of weeks with a calf injury, according to NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill. This could open the door for more Khristian Boyd snaps. If Jack Heflin or Kendal Vickers aren't on the final roster, then one of them could see early elevations from the practice squad.
• Defensive tackle Camron Peterson is headed to injured reserve, per Nick Underhill. He was a very late addition to the team.
• Running back Kendre Miller is expected to start the season on injured reserve, according to Josina Anderson. It's unclear as to whether it's one of the moves that will be done at cutdown or if he'll be on the roster a day.
• NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill reports that A.T. Perry is in.
• Undrafted rookies Mason Tipton, Dallin Holker and Rico Payton have made the roster.
• Jordan Mims and Anfernee Orji made the roster, as well as Kendal Vickers and Nick Saldiveri.
• Kevin Rader and Rezjohn Wright were both placed on injured reserve.

Get Caught Up On Saints Action

Aug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Sainte quarterback Derek Carr (4) and fullback Adam Prentice (46) congratulate quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) after passing a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

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