The New Orleans Saints have finalized this year’s initial 53-man roster. And Kellen Moore’s fingerprints are all over it.
As a first-time head coach, Moore’s influence was felt notably in the bold choice to release quarterback Jake Haener. In doing so, the Saints opted to keep two quarterbacks on the roster, rather than three.
Let’s take a further look with some instant analysis on the Saints’ decisions:
Quarterback (2): Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough
Haener’s release was the headliner here — at least until Moore announced Spencer Rattler as his Week 1 starter. But will the Saints add a third quarterback in the coming days? The Atlanta Falcons cut Easton Stick, a quarterback who played under Moore when they were with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. Perhaps that’s a name to watch.
Running back (4): Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, Velus Jones
Jones was the last man in, and his special teams versatility might have been the deciding factor. The wide receiver-turned-running back made it over Clyde-Edwards Helaire, Cam Akers and undrafted free agent Marcus Yarns.
Wide receiver (6): Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Devaughn Vele, Brandin Cooks, Mason Tipton, Cedrick Wilson
Dante Pettis was the odd man out. After trading for Devaughn Vele last week, the Saints had to choose between one of two veterans in Pettis and Cedrick Wilson. While Pettis added some value as a returner, the Saints kept Wilson, who has familiarity with Moore and also gives the Saints another big body (6-2, 197) at the position.
Offensive line (9): Kelvin Banks, Trevor Penning, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Taliese Fuaga, Dillon Radunz, Asim Richards, Luke Fortner and Torricelli Simpkins
The Saints traded for Richards — a move made out of necessity after the Saints were decimated at swing tackle. The Saints placed tackles Barry Wesley and Landon Young on injured reserve after waiving Josiah Ezirim and Jonathan Mendoza a day earlier. Richards, a 2023 fifth-round pick, played 177 snaps at left tackle last season.
Tight end (3): Juwan Johnson, Jack Stoll, Moliki Matavao
Treyton Welch’s release came as a minor surprise as he seemed to outperform Matavao down the stretch of training camp. But it makes sense that the Saints would want to keep their seventh-round rookie over someone who will likely land on the practice squad. Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau, by the way, now must miss at least the next four games after being placed on Physically Unable to Perform.
Edge rusher (4): Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Cam Jordan, Chris Rumph
There was some question as to how many edge defenders the Saints would keep. It turns out the number was four, which pushed seventh-round rookie Fadil Diggs off the initial 53-man roster. Diggs was the Saints' last draft pick, and the only one who didn't make the team out of camp.
Defensive interior (6): Bryan Bresee, Davon Godchaux, Nathan Shepherd, Vernon Broughton, Jonathan Bullard, Khristian Boyd
Cutting Haener cleared the path for the Saints to keep a fifth edge rusher. That move didn’t force the Saints to choose between Rumph and Diggs. But New Orleans chose both of those players over 2023 second-round pick Isaiah Foskey.
On the interior, Bullard made it over veteran Jonah Williams, who the Saints would like to keep on their practice squad.
Linebacker (5): Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Danny Stutsman, Jaylan Ford, Isaiah Stalbird
D’Marco Jackson started two of the team’s three preseason games, but he didn’t make the final 53-man roster. He was supplanted late by Ford and Stalbird — whom defensive coordinator Brandon Staley raved about. Staley said Tuesday that both players showed great progress throughout camp.
Cornerback (6): Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor, Isaac Yiadom, Quincy Riley, Ugo Amadi, Rejzohn Wright
A strong finish to training camp and the preseason pushed Wright onto the 53-man roster. Wright not only showed a nose for the ball with two pass breakups — including a key play in the second preseason game that led to an interception — but he also showed some ability against the run, with 11 preseason tackles. The biggest question about this group is whether Taylor is ready to play in Week 1; if not, that role should go to veteran Ugo Amadi.
Safety (5): Justin Reid, Julian Blackmon, Jordan Howden, Jonas Sanker, J.T. Gray
No surprises here.
Specialists (3): Blake Grupe, Zach Wood and Kai Kroeger
It’ll be interesting to see if the Saints end up keeping Kroeger or search the waiver wire for an upgrade at punter. Special teams coordinator Phil Galiano didn’t dismiss the latter idea when asked Tuesday, but added he’s a fan of Kroeger’s youth.
Staff writer Luke Johnson contributed to this report.