The New Orleans Saints made a roster move on Thursday, waiving second-year quarterback J.T. Barrett and bringing back rookie tight end Jake Powell. Powell signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent back in May after playing for Monmouth in college. Herbie Teope of the Advocate first reported Barrett’s release and Powell’s signing.
Powell’s return comes days after rookie draft pick Alize Mack left practice with an undisclosed injury. Scouting reports described Powell as a prospect with good size (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) but little experience catching passes, having come from a run-first offense.
A few other rookies were also not spotted in the early portions of Thursday’s training camp practice, principally wide receivers Emmanuel Butler and Deonte Harris. Derrick Kelly, an offensive lineman, was also absent.
Barrett was first signed with the Saints after the 2018 NFL Draft, and he ended up being waived and re-signed 25 times in his rookie year. The Saints often bounced him onto and off of the practice squad, trusting his knowledge of the offense and likelihood to clear waivers before returning. Having someone in that position essentially gave the Saints an extra roster spot, even if it was a whirlwind for Barrett himself.
So it’s likely Barrett will return in 2019, though not certain. Just because the Saints involved him in 25 transactions last year doesn’t mean they plan to do so again this time around.
