A theme of New Orleans Saints training camp has been how often players they’ve let go have been snatched up by rival teams. Rookie offensive lineman Darrin Paulo joined that list when the Denver Broncos claimed him off of waivers on Aug. 30, making the Utah prospect the latest member of the black and gold to earn a quick turnaround for his next NFL opportunity.
Back at the start of training camp, the Saints waived a group of ten players according to NFL rules requiring rosters to thin down from 90 contracts to just 80. Three of them were signed right away: defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth, cornerback Deatrick Nichols, and wide receiver Tommylee Lewis. Wide receiver Krishawn Hogan also joined a new team after a few tryouts.
Other familiar names to Saints fans who recently earned new shots around the league: cornerbacks B.W. Webb and Ken Crawley, together with the Arizona Cardinals; linebackers Will Compton and Jayrone Elliott; and a host of former Saints with the Carolina Panthers, led by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and coordinator Joe Brady.
The Saints have assembled a roster where talent runs deep, and it shouldn’t shock anyone that other teams are taking notice. It just adds more intrigue to an upcoming wave of releases and re-signings to the practice squad. For his part, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis is already fretting over whether they might let a good player get away.
