The New Orleans Saints have their initial 53-man roster set for the 2024 season. Now, they will begin building a 16-player practice squad. Expect some more shuffling before Week 1.
New Orleans Saints' initial 2024 53-man roster
Quarterback (3)
IN: Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener
OUT: N/A
The skinny: Carr is the starter. For my money, Rattler should be the backup. We will see if the Saints agree with that sentiment. All three are on the active roster to begin 2024.
Running back (3)
IN: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller (IR-to return), Jordan Mims
OUT: Jacob Kibodi, James Robinson
The skinny: No surprises here. Miller starts out on IR and will miss at least the first four games. He does not count against the 53-man to begin the season.
Wide receiver (6)
IN: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Bub Means, A.T. Perry, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton
OUT: Samson Nacua, Equanimeous St. Brown, Stanley Morgan Jr., Shaq Davis, Kevin Austin Jr.
The skinny: Tipton grabs the final WR spot eithjout playing a single preseason game. The staff must really believe in his value to the offense and possible special teams.
Tight end (4)
IN: Taysom Hill(TE/FB), Foster Moreau, Juwan Johnson, Dallin Holker, Kevin Rader (IR)
OUT: Mason Fairchild, Michael Jacobson
The skinny: Saints keep four options here. Hill is a unique weapon, and Holker was great in camp and his lone preseason game.
Offensive line (8)
IN: Taliese Fuaga, Trevor Penning, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Oli Udoh, Lucas Patrick, Landon Young, Nick Saldiveri
OUT: Jesse Davis, Mark Evans II, Tremayne Anchrum, Sincere Haynesworth, Shane Lemieux, Kyle Hergel, Josiah Ezirim
The skinny: We will see if Udoh or Penning starts at RT to begin the regular season. I say Patrick starts at left guard. Expect at least one free agent/trade addition along the OL. They need more bodies.
Defensive line (10)
IN: Cameron Jordan, Chase Young, Khristian Boyd, Khalen Saunders, Bryan Bresee, Nathan Shepherd, Carl Granderson, Payton Turner, Isaiah Foskey, Kendall Vickers, Tanoh Kpassagnon (PUP)
OUT: Jack Heflin
The skinny: Saints keep Foskey and Turner. Both need to perform early in the season if they want to hold a depth role.
Linebacker (6)
IN: Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Willie Gay Jr., Anfernee Orji, D'Marco Jackson, Jaylan Ford, Nephi Sewell (PUP)
OUT: Mike Rose, Monty Rice, Andrew Dowell
The skinny: I could see Jackson opening on IR as he deals with an injury. The Saints still like him as depth. Orji deserves a spot, and Hudson is a nice, versatile piece on defense and special teams.
Cornerback (5)
IN: Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Rico Payton, Rejzohn Wright (IR)
OUT: Mac McCain, Kaleb Ford-Dement, Ugo Amadi
The skinny: This group was pretty clear to me. Payton balled out in preseason play and deserved a nod.
Safety (4)
IN: Jordan Howden, Tyrann Mathieu, J.T. Gray, Will Harris
OUT: Roderic Teamer, Millard Bradford, Johnathan Abram
The skinny: Harris may start opposite of Mathieu. Abram knows the playbook quite well, so I won't be shocked if he comes back on the practice squad.
Specialists (3)
IN: Blake Grupe, Matt Hayball, Zach Wood
OUT: Lou Hedley, Charlie Smyth
The skinny: The Saints make a surprising choice here. The rookie Hayball gets the nod after a solid preseason where Hedley continued to struggle. Smyth is currently dealing with a groin injury, so maybe he starts on the injury list. Regardless, he can return to the practice squad with an International Player Pathway exemption if he passes through waivers. That's not a given, though.
The active roster currently sits at 52 players. They have one current opening for free agents and/or trades.
