Waivers have cleared across the NFL, and that means the New Orleans Saints can begin signing several players to the practice squad.
New Orleans had already made a handful of moves, including a move to fill a 17th spot on what would otherwise be a 16-man group (more on that below). The 2024 practice squad rules allow for up to six practice squad spots to be filled by vested veterans (players with 4 accrued years of experience). That's up from four in 2023.
Scroll below for the signings we know so far along with some notes on each player. (Last updated: 3 p.m.; 16 signings announced by team)
S Johnathan Abram
Quick take: This move always made sense, it was really just a question of whether Abram wanted a change of scenery. The veteran surely would've preferred to land on the active roster, but he's been in this situation before. The former first-round pick started the 2023 season on the practice squad before the team quickly exhausted his three callups and he finished the season on the active roster. This season could easily see the same thing happen if any safeties suffer injuries or underperform.
WR Equanimeous St. Brown
Quick take: Another vested veteran player (you can have up to six of them) and I'd consider this a good get. EQ is an NFL talent and in a pinch could be a very useful piece in the WR room as a big-bodied blocking receiver with some clear receiving upside. I thought maybe his tape from the preseason finale might generate some interest elsewhere, but for now he's sticking with the Saints.
LB Isaiah Stalbird
Quick take: This is a nice development for a good young player. I don't know if Stalbird had much of a shot to crack the roster in a loaded linebacker room, and he definitely didn't after suffering an injury in camp. He's a good kid with a good story and I'm glad to see he's sticking around.
G Kyle Hergel
Quick take: This isn't much of a surprise. The bigger surprise was that he didn't make the 53 outright. Hergel, who was a top pick in the CFL draft, was the lone UDFA lineman to log first team reps this camp and while he's got work to do, I think there's a legitimate NFL player in their with continued development. It seems the Saints are happy, at least for now, to count their OL numbers split between the active roster and practice squad, so we'll have to see how they handle those callups early in the year.
OT Josiah Ezirim
Quick take: This is a pure upside play, and it's the right guy to do it with. The size/athleticism combo is pretty incredible and it'll be about refining some of that raw ability into an NFL skillset. Ezirim is the lone draft pick that was cut from this year's class, so it's good to see that they're not kicking him to the curb entirely (something that would've been a rough look for the scouting staff).
OL Shane Lemieux
Quick take: The third veteran signing and a useful guy to keep around. Lemieux had a rough showing during his time at center, but he's a solid NFL guard with a good bit of starting experience. When we're talking about a practice squad guy that you might have to turn to in a pinch, that's helpful.
TE Michael Jacobson
Quick take: I wasn't sure what the Saints would do with the power forward-turned-tight end, but I'm glad he's sticking around. The ball skills are clear and you simply can't teach 6-7, but he's a bit too raw at this point and I'm not sure he's ready for NFL-level contact. Still, the game is about development and he's exactly the type of raw prospect you'd like to keep working with. His biggest strides will have to come as a blocker, and it'd be good to see him continue to stack some weight on his frame.
K Charlie Smyth - IPP exemption
Quick take: I really never thought the idea that Charlie might get plucked away on waivers was much ado for nothing. That's not because the talent isn't there, but because the only team that really got to see and work with that talent is the Saints. Any other team had one whole kick to work off of, a 37-yarder against the Cardinals, and maybe some practice footage. That's it, and teams don't make waiver claims on a whim. All that said, I'm excited that Charlie is sticking around and I won't be surprised at all if he ends up being the starting kicker next season with a year to hone his craft. The interesting question will be if Blake Grupe struggles or gets hurt at any point this season, will the Saints feel comfortable turning to a guy with so little experience? We'll see.
DE Niko Lalos
Quick take: This is a familiar spot for Lalos, and not particularly surprising. He's a hard worker and seems to deliver when he gets on the field. That's a good combination for a practice squad addition.
RB Jacob Kibodi
Quick take: We'll never know, but it'll be interesting to find out if Jacob would've landed here a week ago, or if that impressive showing in the preseason finale helped him earn a spot. Either way it's good to see the Louisiana kid stick around. He'll need to continue to work, particularly in pass protection, but I'm hopeful to see him get a chance in live action at some point.
LB Khaleke Hudson
Quick take: Here's vested veteran No. 4 and a solid addition who could definitely see action if the Saints end up down a few LBs at any point. I thought he might have a shot to make the roster over a couple injured players in Jaylan Ford and D'Marco Jackson. He's a good option on special teams and tackles well. The Saints wanted Khaleke back on the practice squad, and that's what they got.
S Millard Bradford
Quick take: Millard had a solid camp and was particularly good during OTAs and minicamp early in the offseason. He's got a good resume and will be a solid developmental player. Nobody really seemed to separate themselves at the safety spot throughout camp, but it makes sense the Saints would want to keep Millard in the building.
DB Ugo Amadi
Quick take: Another veteran and I expect you'll have him on the Johnathan Abram program. Somewhat surprised one of those two guys didn't make the active roster, but if the gamble was that you thought those guys would end up sticking around, it paid off. Another veteran player with a lot of experience you'd be comfortable turning to in a pinch.
WR Kevin Austin Jr.
Quick take: The Saints went with a youth movement at WR, but Kevin wasn't among that group. Still, he had some nice moments -- particularly later in camp -- and played himself into a spot on the practice squad. That's a win for a guy who spent last season in the UFL and didn't get signed until just ahead of training camp.
TE Mason Fairchild
Quick take:
DT Kendal Vickers
Quick take: The stay on the 53-man roster was a short one for Vickers, with the Saints adding Jack Ridgeway in a trade with the Commanders. Vickers is a solid player who could see time this year if injuries pile up. Still, there are definitely better options.
REPORTED (Not announced by team)
CB Shemar Jean-Charles (report)
Quick take: There was definitely frustration on Shemar's end that he didn't make the cut in the DB room and I thought there might be a waiver claim, but no dice. That means he'll return to the Saints and I wouldn't be surprised if we see him make an appearance or three on the active roster if things go a certain way. He's a good athlete who plays with physicality on the outside, that's what the Saints look for in their DBs. Jean-Charles wasn't on the initial list of signings sent out by the Saints. It's possible something changed. We'll have to wait and see.
TE Treyton Welch (report)
Quick take: I don't know much about Treyton Welch, but he wasn't on the list of signings the Saints sent out. It's possible the offer got pulled when the Saints added Vickers. We'll have to wait and see.
