Kellen Moore
The Saints have decided who will take up the majority of their practice squad.
The New Orleans Saints cut their roster down to 53 players on Tuesday. In that process, 15 players were brought back to the team’s practice squad. They will have the opportunity to remain a part of the organization, potentially being activated if need be.
With these players on the practice squad, the Saints can continue to develop promising young players. Some veterans made the cut as well, who can continue to stay sharp with all of New Orleans’ schemes and game plans.
Each team can hold up to 17 players total on the practice squad, so the Saints do have the opportunity to add two more players. Head coach Kellen Moore seems to think the full group has yet to be solidified.
“Obviously, there’s still some moving pieces as we build out the roster,” Moore said. “… We were able to get a ton of guys back on the practice squad, which is obviously a huge part of this thing… Excited about the guys we were able to bring back from a practice squad perspective.”
The Seven Offensive Returners
At quarterback, New Orleans brought Jake Haener back for his third season with the team after being a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Undrafted rookie Hunter Dekkers also returns after earning a spot through training camp and the preseason.
Wide Receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. initially made the 53-man roster, but eventually moved to the practice squad. When New Orleans claimed Trey Palmer off waivers, Wilson Jr. was the casualty who was sent down to free a roster spot.
Kevin Austin Jr. will be the other wide receiver on the practice squad, after appearing in eight games for the Saints last season. He finished the 2024 campaign with 11 receptions for 151 yards.
Tight end Jack Stoll was the other initial 53-man member to be sent down to the practice squad. His roster spot went to waiver pickup Xavier Truss. The other tight end on the practice squad is undrafted rookie Treyton Welch out of Wyoming.
Rounding out the offense is undrafted rookie tackle Easton Kilty out of Kansas State. He will be the only offensive lineman on the practice squad.
The Rest of the Bunch
It was an even split on offense and defense for the Saints’ practice squad. Kicker Charlie Smyth is the one special teamer, who comes by way of the International Player Program.
Defensive end Fadil Diggs was possibly the biggest surprise not to make the 53-man roster. The seventh-round rookie cleared waivers and will remain in the black and gold. Fifth-year defensive end Jonah Williams also returns on the defensive line.
New Orleans has just one linebacker on the practice squad currently. Nephi Sewell holds down the position, entering his third season out of Utah.
Undrafted rookie Dalys Beanum is one of two cornerbacks on the practice squad, playing his college ball at South Dakota State. Jayden Price is the only other corner, entering his age-25 season out of North Dakota State.
Fifth-year safety Terrell Burgess is one half of the duo on the practice squad, appearing in 42 total games throughout his career. Rounding out the group is undrafted rookie safety Elliott Davison out of UTSA.