Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph (11) before he is tackled by New Orleans Saints safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune) For some, it’s the best day of their lives.
For others, it’s a time to figure out what’s next. NFL teams, including the New Orleans Saints, from 90 to 53 on Tuesday, a nail-biting day for guys all around the league. Now that Dennis Allen and his staff have made their tough decisions, here’s a look at some of the surprises of the day.
Waiving Johnathan Abram. You knew the Saints weren’t really satisfied at safety when they courted All-Pro safety Justin Simmons, who eventually signed with the rival Atlanta Falcons. Abram started three games last season, so he seemed to be the frontrunner when camp began to fill the vacancy of Marcus Maye, especially after Abram's strong finish to last season, when he recorded 14 tackles and an interception in the last two games.
That starting job alongside Tyrann Mathieu now looks to belong to Will Harris, who has gotten plenty of reps lately. Just two days earlier, Abram was giving his teammates the pregame motivational speech prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans. Now he’s not even on the team.
Abram, entering his sixth NFL season, doesn’t have to clear waivers and is now free to sign with any team. Maybe he comes back after Week 1. Kyle Hergel.
There’s no need for me to repeat the concerns the Saints have on their offensive line. They are replacing three starters (Ryan Ramczyk, Andrus Peat and James Hurst). While Hergel wasn’t a projected starter, he seemed to be doing enough to add some quality depth.
If past seasons are any indications, the Saints will need some of their backups to step up and play. Hergel, the undrafted rookie free agent who played at Boston College last season, was playing left guard with the first string during the latter part of training camp. His ability to play center in case of an emergency also seemed like it may be enough to keep him around.
Honorable mention in this category goes to cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles, who filled in admirably throughout camp in the absence of Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo. The Saints waived punter Lou Hedley. This didn’t come as a surprise.
Hedley, who has been inconsistent throughout camp, sealed his fate with his final punt Sunday that pretty much cost the Saints the preseason game and cost him his job. It’s the second straight year the team has moved on from its punter after one season. (Hedley replaced Blake Gillikin last season.
) Remember the good ole days when reliable Thomas Morstead was around? One week ago, Charlie Smyth was the darling of practice when he boomed a 65-yard field goal at Yulman Stadium. We wrote about his strong leg throughout camp. The kicker from Ireland was a bit inconsistent on the shorter field goals (and extra points) early on, but you could see the steady improvement for a guy who just started kicking a football in the past year.
The Saints rolled the dice last season and chose to keep newcomer Blake Grupe over Wil Lutz. This year, they decided to stick with the incumbent Grupe. (I think it was the right move.
) Since Smyth's part of the NFL’s International Pathway Program, the Saints could save a practice squad spot for Smyth if he clears waivers. Here’s guessing they will do just that if given the opportunity and not let such a strong leg out of the building. Three players from Louisiana (Rod Teamer and Stanley Morgan from New Orleans and Jacob Kibodi from Baton Rouge) didn’t make the 53.
All three players were hoping to get a shot with the team they grew up rooting for. The three were among the five Saints' players who got a chance to lead the Who Dat chant Sunday. It was a moment they surely will always remember.
There are always plenty of these with the Saints, especially when it comes to undrafted free agents making it. So pick one. Receiver Mason Tipton.
Tight end Dallin Holker. Defensive back Rico Payton. Or punter Matthew Hayball.
I’ll give a slight nod to Tipton. The undrafted rookie from Yale dazzled early in training camp before an injury slowed him down. You know that saying about it’s not how you start, but how you finish? Well, Tipton did the reverse of that.
Can he become the next Rashid Shaheed, an undrafted speedster from a non-college football powerhouse who makes an impact? Time will tell as he gets his chance as one of the 53..
