3 cut candidates on Saints roster ahead of NFL training camp

The New Orleans Saints were expected to completely collapse in 2023-24 under new quarterback Derek Carr, but they were somehow competitive instead. They went 9-8, just missing the playoffs via tiebreak.

But 2024 figures to be a different situation entirely.

The Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made multiple major moves, whether it be re-signings or free-agent additions. Meanwhile, the Saints have only added Chase Young and ditched Michael Thomas, the latter of whom will be joined at the unemployment line by these three...

3 cut candidates on Saints roster ahead of NFL training camp

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3) Michael Jacobson

New Orleans Saints Training Camp - Source: Getty

It is obvious that the Saints will continue with the one-two punch of Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau at tight end. The race to sit behind them as TE3 is very intense, with three competitors vying for the position.

Michael Jacobson is at an inherent disadvantage, however, having been a practice squad player for his entire career. Dallin Holker has technically yet to play a game, but he looks to have more upside via his college days, while Kevin Rader has played some games.

2) Jake Haener

Kansas City Chiefs v New Orleans Saints - Source: Getty

Quarterback has been a problem in the Big Easy ever since Drew Brees retired. In 2021, the team had Jameis Winston as its primary starter. But he struggled, necessitating stints by Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian, and Ian Book.

For 2022, Winston was once again initially the starter but struggled with injuries before being demoted for Andy Dalton. He was demoted to backup in 2023 for Derek Carr and eventually left for the Cleveland Browns after the season ended.

Thus, the current situation. Carr is the starter, Hill can be slotted in, and there is also rookie Spencer Rattler. That leaves one man out - Jake Haener. Unfortunately, it seems as if he will have to seek a job elsewhere.

1) Chase Young

New Orleans Saints v Arizona Cardinals - Source: Getty

This will be shocking, given Chase Young's credentials and initial upside. But ever since his rookie season at Washington, he has completely lost his form.

Cameron Jordan is now 35 and will only continue to age and eventually retire, but the depth behind him is solid. Carl Granderson has become a bastion for the team after going undrafted in 2019, while Payton Turner, Isaiah Foskey, and Trajan Jeffcoat look to be a solid rotational core.

Now where does that leave Young? Nowhere. The downfall of the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year continues.