3 Saints players who won’t be on the roster after training camp
By Mark Powell
The New Orleans Saints opened training camp on Tuesday. These three players shouldn’t get too comfortable.
After a third-place finish in the NFC South in their first year under Dennis Allen, it’s clear something had to change in New Orleans. And change did come, as the Saints signed quarterback Derek Carr, who had a previous stint with Allen on the Raiders.
That connection was enough to bring the former MVP to the Bayou.
To their credit, the Saints are expected to be a little better in 2023. It helps that Tom Brady is no longer in the division. Frankly, someone has to win the NFC South. The Panthers are in a rebuild, and just drafted Bryce Young. The Buccaneers are starting Baker Mayfield in their first season without Brady. The Falcons, meanwhile, made some marginal improvements and handed the reins over to Desmond Ridder out of Cincinnati.
Beyond the quarterback position, though, there are still plenty of questions that must be answered by New Orleans. Depth is a major issue, which is why some of these players will be released in favor of available free agents and trade assets.
Saints training camp cuts: Kirk Merritt
If New Orleans were to put together their depth chart right now, Merritt would be tough to find, and rightly so. His only recorded NFL statistics to this point is a single reception during his time with the Miami Dolphins.
Merritt has special teams potential written all over him, and it’s likely his best chance to make the roster. Some sort of hands team role, along with emergency depth at the wide receiver position, could land Merritt with either New Orleans or another team down the line. Perhaps the Saints would sign him to their practice squad. However, ESPN has him listed at least seventh on their updated depth chart.
To Merritt’s credit, he’s done everything he can to find a roster spot. He’s played wideout, special teams and even received some snaps at running back. If Alvin Kamara is suspended, then perhaps that could change things. For now, though, he’s on the outs for a reason.