The New Orleans Saints roster has taken shape, and so has the majority of their practice squad that's not been finalized after waiver claims.
NFL teams can sign 16 players to a traditional practice squad, six spots of which can be filled by veteran players with more than 4 seasons of accrued experience. Teams can also sign a 17th player through the International Pathway Program, which the Saints have taken advantage of each of the past two seasons. At this point the Saints still have two spots open.
These names will change throughout the season and players can be signed off the practice squad to other teams when opportunities arise. Here's the Saints' initial 17-member practice squad.
DEFENSE (7)
- DT Jonah Williams
- CB Dalys Beanum
- CB Jayden Price
- LB Nephi Sewell
- S Terrell Burgess
- S Elliott Davison
- DE Fadil Diggs
Of note: The Saints likely would've looked to get D'Marco Jackson and Rico Payton on this list, but both players were claimed on waivers. ... They've managed to retain some useful pieces, including a pair of players (Burgess and Williams) with strong ties to Brandon Staley after playing with him elsewhere. Burgess could be particularly useful early on in the season if Alontae Taylor misses time with his injury. ... The Saints were able to retain Fadil Diggs, which feels like a win. I think he has a chance to be a good player with some development.
OFFENSE (7)
- QB Jake Haener
- QB Hunter Dekkers
- TE Treyton Welch
- OT Easton Kilty
- WR Kevin Austin Jr.
- WR Cedrick Wilson
- TE Jack Stoll
Of note: Cedrick Wilson and Jack Stoll were late additions to make room for waiver claims. In both cases I expect those players to play meaningful snaps for this team, particularly Stoll, who will be the primary blocking TE. He'll be on the 53 by the end of the season. ... It's unusual for a team to roster multiple practice squad QBs, but keeping Haener around felt like a bit of good fortune. You don't expect a ton out of your third quarterback and having that player be a guy who's played in NFL games and has a full offseason working within the offense is a nice bonus. One injury and Haener is the gameday backup, which is a very important role. Dekkers never went far. He's the new J.T. Barrett (if people get that reference). ... Welch is also a solid player who has built a good connection with Tyler Shough, not a surprise he's stuck around and I'll look for him to contribute if and when the rookie gets out on the field.
SPECIALISTS (1)
- K Charlie Smyth (IPP)
As noted above the Saints had the ability to sign Smyth into a 17th practice squad spot that only he could occupy, so there was absolutely no downside. Another year on an NFL roster for a the Irish kicker with a monster leg.
The Saints have also added a pair of waiver claims in former Bucs WR Trey Palmer and former UDFA OL Xavier Truss, who spent this preseason with the Broncos.
