Saints Sign 11 Players to Reserve/Future Deals

Several New Orleans Saints practice squad players will return for training camp for another chance to earn their spot on the roster in 2024.

NEW ORLEANS -- Reserve/future deals provide players with an opportunity return to offseason programs and training camps to try to earn a spot on the next season's roster or practice squad. The New Orleans Saints gave 11 players this deal at the conclusion of their 2023 NFL season. 

A Saints helmet sits on the Carsers Superdome turf ahead of the team's Week 18 game against the Atlanta Falcons / Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Saints helmet during warmups against the Atlanta Falcons at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the names of those to expect to see back after the offseason:

• OL Mark Evans
• DL Jack Heflin 
• DB Faion Hicks
• TE Tommy Hudson 
• TE Michael Jacobson
• OL Tommy Kraemer
• DL Niko Lalos
• RB Jordan Mims
• LB Anfernee Orji
• DL John Penisini
• RB James Robinson

The majority of these players have spent all season on the team's practice squad which allowed them to build some familiarity with the system, roster and staff. Others, like Robinson, were later additions, but clearly made an impression in their short time.

One name that was expected to see on this list that is missing is wide receiver Shaq Davis. Davis had a fantastic showing during the team's preseason campaign, but landed on the injured/practice squad list (effectively injured reserve for the practice squad) for a large portion of the regular season. He eventually made his return, but never was able to find his way out to the field.

The team could be looking to give him and others shots later or via another mechanism. Davis though is definitely a name to watch out for going into the offseason.

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