Well this is interesting. Tuesday’s update to the daily NFL transactions wire included the release of linebacker Chase Hansen from the New Orleans Saints active roster, which both freed up a spot on the 53-man lineup and opened up roughly $450,000 in salary cap space, give or take a couple thousand dollars.
That’s significant for a team that opened business on Tuesday under the cap by just $1,099,450, per NFL records. The Saints should now have almost $1.55 million to work with — and with a highly sought-after free agent now available in Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., these resources might prove critical.
It’s a tough break for Hansen, who was just activated from injured reserve Monday evening after he spent most of the season recovering from an injured groin muscle. But he could return to the practice squad if he clears waivers; the Saints have had an open spot on the 16-strong list for a week or so, and all seven linebackers on the 53-man roster have been active on game days lately. The Saints have invested a lot of time in Hansen and he’s worth keeping around.
