The New Orleans Saints have added several intriguing pieces throughout the draft process, and with that a couple of older players are headed out the door.
Both OL Tommy Kraemer and QB Kellen Mond were waived by the Saints on Wednesday, according to the league's transaction wire.
Kraemer, a guard, has been in the NFL since 2021 and appeared in 13 games, four of which came for the Saints in the 2023 season. He found himself in a crowd at the guard position, though admittedly one with no clear starter on the left side. Second-year pro Nick Saldiveri and veteran Shane Lemeiux appear to be in the early mix to contend at the position. The Saints also added a trio of UDFAs who could factor in as well.
The bigger surprise came in the QB room, which was admittedly packed after the Saints brought in Spencer Rattler and a rookie quarterback for the second consecutive season. The odd man out was Mond, who was also the most recent QB signed and had a history with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The Saints also have starter Derek Carr, second-year pro Jake Haener and journeyman Nathan Peterman in the room.
There's no question as to the Saints intention to start Derek Carr for at least another season, but the player who backs him up is a much greater mystery. The Saints have traditionally erred on the side of more veteran backups, though it'll likely come down to a competition between Rattler and Haener throughout camp for that spot.
The Saints are next on the field May 10-12 for rookie minicamp, followed by OTAs and mandatory minicamp throughout May and June, then a full training camp in Irvine, California starting in July.
