The New Orleans Saints made a roster move on Saturday that bordered between difficult and questionable, releasing veteran safety and key special teams asset Chris Banjo. Banjo ranked among team leaders in snaps played on the punt and kickoff units the last two years, and had signed a three-year contract extension with the Saints earlier this spring. But when it came down to finalizing roster cuts, they couldn’t justify keeping the backup defensive back around.
On Monday, Saints head coach Sean Payton praised Banjo’s contributions to the team, and added that the door remains open for his return. “He’s got all the right things that go into being a teammate, being a leader,” Payton said. “He’s such a valuable part and epitomizes what we’re looking for.”
Popular in the locker room, Banjo’s release drew reactions from teammates including Wil Lutz, Justin Hardee, and Cameron Jordan. It’s clear that they’d like to welcome him back later on down the line.
But the Saints may not get that opportunity. Banjo was on the free agent market for less than a day before the Philadelphia Eagles flew him into town for a visit and workout, having seen his potential firsthand — Banjo intercepted Eagles franchise quarterback Carson Wentz twice in five minutes during their regular season game against the Saints last year. There’s a good chance they don’t let him leave town.
