The Saints Spring into Action: 5 Key Moves That Will Shape Their Season
The New Orleans Saints have made a flurry of roster moves, bringing in new faces while saying goodbye to others, as injuries begin to take their toll at training camp.
DT Bryan Bresee has been placed on injured reserve, missing the 2026 season recovering from knee surgery after tearing his ACL early in training camp. The 25-year-old defensive lineman is still under contract for 2027, but that's looking more like a prove-it year than an opportunity to build on prior success.
Keeshawn Silver, another defensive tackle, has been waived with an injury designation. He signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of USC but suffered a calf injury during training camp. Silver's guaranteed $55,000 of his $3.1 million contract will be left behind as dead money.
The Saints have also claimed EDGE Garrett Nelson off waivers. The 6-foot-4, 248-pound defensive end returns to New Orleans after briefly joining the team's practice squad last season. Nelson has also spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, and Seattle Seahawks.
LB Deion Jones has signed with the Saints after free agent tryouts. The 31-year-old isn't the Pro Bowler he once was with the Atlanta Falcons but can still carve out a role for himself in New Orleans. He may have to play a lot of reps on special teams, similar to his experience with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
WR Ja'Lynn Polk has been placed on the reserve/retired list after unexpectedly announcing his decision to walk away from the game. He missed two practices with what the Saints called "personal reasons," and Polk won't be catching passes for New Orleans after choosing to hang up his cleats.
The Saints' roster moves come as injuries begin to take their toll at training camp. The team's depth at defensive tackle is already being tested, and the loss of Bresee and Silver will be felt. Nelson's return could provide a boost to the team's pass rush, while Jones' experience on special teams could be valuable.
The Saints' season is still in its early stages, but these roster moves will shape the team's trajectory. As the 2026 season unfolds, the Saints will need to adapt to the losses and find ways to compensate. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the team's fortunes.
The Saints will likely need to continue to monitor their injury situation and make further roster moves as needed. The team's depth and resilience will be tested, and it remains to be seen how they will respond to the challenges ahead.
Source: Yahoo Sports