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New Orleans Saints News & Rumors

Saints To Cut QB Garrett Grayson

September 7th, 2016 at 9:54am CST by Zachary Links

Last year, the Saints drafted Garrett Grayson with the hope that he would be the eventual heir to Drew Brees at quarterback. Unfortunately, Grayson was not quite as good as they hoped. Today, the Saints have released the quarterback, according to Mike Florio of PFT (on Twitter). Garrett Grayson (vertical)

Grayson struggled through the preseason and the team auditioned quarterbacks late in the summer as a result. After the team’s third preseason contest against the Steelers, coach Sean Payton laid into the second-year QB.

“He struggled tonight. I was disappointed with a couple of those plays,” Payton said. “The interception to the running back is poor; and obviously, he gets blinded on the linebacker throw and forces it. So that was troubling. He had a good play early on with the touchdown pass, but I would like to see him further along at this point than he is.”

The former Colorado State Ram was slated to open the season as the No. 3 QB on the depth chart behind Luke McCown and Brees. The release of Grayson could make room for the return of Jahri Evans.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Saints, Drew Brees Close To Extension

September 7th, 2016 at 9:43am CST by Dallas Robinson

WEDNESDAY, 9:43am: The deal is “all but done,” a source tells Mike Florio of PFT (on Twitter).

TUESDAY, 9:30pm: A deal could be signed as soon as tomorrow, reports Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (Twitter link), while Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) says the agreement could be a shorter contract.

7:56pm: The Saints are close to reaching an extension with quarterback Drew Brees, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Brees has indicated that he doesn’t want negotiations lasting into the regular season, so if the two sides are going to strike a deal, the time is now.Drew Brees (Vertical)

[RELATED: Saints To Sign Sterling Moore]

A report yesterday indicated that Brees is seeking a four-year deal worth $100MM, numbers that jibe with previous reports about Brees’ contract status. Brees’ asking price is a lofty one for a 37-year-old, especially considering no other NFLer averages $25MM per annum. However, the future Pro Football Hall of Famer hasn’t shown serious signs of aging to this point. Brees, a 16th-year man, is coming off his eighth straight season with at least 30 touchdown passes. He also eclipsed the 4,800-yard mark for the fifth consecutive year.

During his 10-year run in New Orleans, the ex-Charger has missed just two games, led the Saints to a 94-64 regular-season record, five playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl title to cap off the 2009-10 campaign. Along the way, Brees has thrown 348 touchdowns, recorded three 5,000-yard seasons, made eight Pro Bowls, and established himself as the Saints’ all-time best player.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Payton: Jahri Evans A “Realistic Possibility”

September 7th, 2016 at 9:04am CST by Zachary Links

The Saints have made a couple of post 53-man cutdown moves but they might not be done tinkering with the roster. On Tuesday, the Saints met with old friend Jahri Evans and coach Sean Payton says that his return “is a realistic possibility,” as Mike Triplett of ESPN.com tweets. Jahri Evans (vertical)

[RELATED: Saints, Drew Brees Close To Extension]

Over the course of ten seasons in New Orleans, Evans started in all 153 of his appearances and earned four first-team All-Pro nods. However, knee and ankle injuries limited him to 11 games in 2015 and he was cut loose this offseason for cap reasons. Evans hooked on with the Seahawks in early August, but he was released last week after he failed to win a starting job.

Now, he could circle back to New Orleans on a cheaper deal. If the Saints do in fact move former first-round pick Andrus Peat to left guard, Evans could start on the right side. Based on Payton’s comments, it sounds like a deal could go down by the end of the weak.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFL Workout Updates: 9/6/16

September 6th, 2016 at 8:46pm CST by Zachary Links

A couple NFC South teams held large tryout sessions today, and the Saints ended up signing a player — veteran corner Sterling Moore — after he auditioned for them earlier today. Let’s take a look at some more news from the workout front:

  • Facing a kicker crisis, the Giants worked out placekickers Cody Parkey, Shayne Graham, and Aldrick Rosas today, reports Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com, though New York is unlikely to sign anyone from the group, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY (Twitter link). Per Raanan, the Giants also worked out a large group of offensive lineman that included Vlad Ducasse, Mackenzy Bernadeau.
  • The Patriots worked out the following defensive backs today (via Doug Kyed of NESN on Twitter): Mike Hilton, Trae Elston, Stefan McClure, JaCorey Shepherd, Kevin Short. New England was trying out players for the final spot on its practice squad, and Hilton ultimately earned the job.
  • The Jaguars worked out former Houston inside linebacker Reshard Cliett today, according to a source who spoke with Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). The fast former South Florida standout was let go by Houston prior to the 53-man cut. Jacksonville also worked out linebacker Luke Rhodes today, but they didn’t offer him a deal right away, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times tweets.
  • Former Cincinnati receiver Mekale McKay was part of a Buccaneers’ workout earlier today, and he’ll next try out for the Patriots on Wednesday, according to Auman (Twitter link).
  • The Packers auditioned defensive tackle Rodney Coe today, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Coe participated in training camp with the Cowboys.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/6/16

September 6th, 2016 at 6:54pm CST by Zachary Links

Here are Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

  • Signed: QB Aaron Murray, QB Zac Dysert (team announcement)

Atlanta Falcons

  • Signed: WR Nick Williams (Twitter link via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution), DL Joe Vellano (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com)
  • Cut: DT Joey Mbu (Twitter link via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com)

Baltimore Ravens

  • Signed: QB David Fales (Twitter link via Adam Caplan of ESPN.com), G Jarell Broxton (Twitter link via Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun)

Buffalo Bills

  • Signed: LB Carlos Fields, DB Damian Parms (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)

Dallas Cowboys

Houston Texans

Kansas City Chiefs

Minnesota Vikings

  • Signed: T Carter Bykowski (Twitter link via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press)
  • Cut: CB Tre Roberson

New England Patriots

New York Jets

New Orleans Saints

Seattle Seahawks

  • Signed: OL Takoby Cofield

Tennessee Titans:

  • Signed: WR Tre McBride (Twitter link via Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com)
  • Cut: WR Ben Roberts

Saints To Sign Sterling Moore

September 6th, 2016 at 5:27pm CST by Dallas Robinson

After working him out earlier today, the Saints have agreed to sign cornerback Sterling Moore, according to Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com (Twitter links). Per Katzenstein, it’s a one-year deal.Sterling Moore (vertical)

[RELATED: Saints Visit With Jahri Evans]

New Orleans released another veteran corner who excels in the slot just hours ago, as they cut Cortland Finnegan, so Moore-for-Finnegan is essentially a one-for-one switch. And the Saints need all the help they can get in the back end, as after ranking as a historically poor defense in 2015, the club doesn’t have much depth in the secondary. Delvin Breaux had a nice season last year, but fellow starter P.J. Williams has never played in a NFL game. Moore, then, will add some experience while contributing in sub package situations.

Moore, 26, starting nine games at nickel for the Buccaneers in 2015. In total, Moore racked up 45 tackles, six pass breakups, an interception and three forced fumbles. Moore first broke into the league as a UDFA out of SMU in 2011 with the Raiders. However, he did not see regular burn until the 2014 season. In 2014, Moore ranked 22nd out of 108 qualified cornerbacks during his time at the position, per Pro Football Focus. Last year, Moore placed 64th out of 111 qualified corners, per PFF (sub. req’d).

After signing with the Bills over the offseason, Moore was released at final cutdowns.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Jahri Evans Visits Saints

September 6th, 2016 at 5:13pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Veteran guard Jahri Evans visited with the only club with which he’s ever seen regular season action, as Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports (Twitter link) that Evans had a meeting with the Saints today.Jahri Evans

[RELATED: Saints Audition Reuben Randle]

The 33-year-old Evans was released by the Seahawks over the weekend after losing out in a battle to become one of the club’s starting guards. New Orleans had previously cut him earlier this offseason, given that the team is considering moving former first-round pick Andrus Peat to left guard, Evans could make sense on the right side. Seattle signed Evans for the minimum salary benefit with $80K guaranteed, so he should be pretty cheap if the Saints are interested in a reunion.

Evans appeared in and started 153 games with the Saints from 2006-15. The 316-pounder racked up four first-team All-Pro nods in New Orleans, but he only logged 11 appearances last year as a result of arthroscopic knee surgery. However, Evans’ performance during an abbreviated campaign earned him plaudits from Pro Football Focus, which ranked him 27th among 81 qualifying guards.

Saints Audition Rueben Randle, Others

September 6th, 2016 at 4:59pm CST by Zachary Links

The Saints auditioned a small army’s worth of players today. Among the notable players to work out for New Orleans were wide receivers Rueben Randle, Greg Little, and Andre Caldwell (Twitter links via Nick Underhill of The Advocate). Rueben Randle

Offensive lineman Khalif Barnes, long snapper Aaron Brewer, long snapper Andrew East, long snapper Thomas Gafford, offensive tackle Bryce Harris, tight end Nic Jacobs, tight end Jake Stoneburner, guard/center Mike Liedtke, cornerback Sterling Moore, cornerback Darrin Walls, cornerback B.W. Webb, and wide receiver Nate Washington also auditioned for the Saints. Liedtke’s visit “went well” and “there’s a good chance something may happen soon,” according to agent Brett Tessler (Twitter link).

Randle, 25, joined the Eagles this offseason after averaging 56 receptions, 782 yards, and six touchdowns over the past three seasons with the Giants. However, he was cut loose before the 75-man deadline. Randle is known to be a talented receiver but there were serious questions about his work ethic while he was in East Rutherford.

Caldwell, 31, appeared in 14 games for the Broncos last season, catching 10 passes (22 targets) for 72 yards. While he wasn’t one of the primary targets in Denver, he did also have two touchdowns on the year. In the spring he signed on with Detroit and before he was cut by the Lions in August, it was said that he suffered a “season-ending” hand injury. It seems that Caldwell’s injury might not be as bad as once feared.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Saints Cut Kai Forbath

September 6th, 2016 at 4:08pm CST by Zachary Links

The Saints have cut kicker Kai Forbath, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The writing was on the wall for Forbath after the team signed fellow kicker Wil Lutz earlier today. Kai Forbath (vertical)

The Saints signed Forbath in October of 2015 after the Redskins released him a month earlier. Forbath went on to make 9-of-13 field goal attempts — including a 57-yarder — and 33-of-34 extra points. In March, the Saints re-upped him. Now, he’s on the open market once again.

Forbath was locked in what was said to be a tight kicking battle with Connor Barth all summer. Barth was cut days ago, but the team has decided to overhaul the position entirely for reasons that are not quite clear.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Saints Release Cortland Finnegan

September 6th, 2016 at 3:04pm CST by Zachary Links

Cortland Finnegan‘s time with the Saints did not last long. The cornerback was released this afternoon, as Mike Florio of PFT tweets. Cortland Finnegan (vertical)

[RELATED: Saints Sign K Wil Lutz To Active Roster]

The 32-year-old Finnegan announced his retirement in March 2015, but he returned to football in November when he signed with the Panthers. Finnegan wound up playing in five regular-season games and all three of the NFC champions’ playoff contests, including Super Bowl 50. The veteran, who recorded 18 tackles, failed to add to his career interception total (18) for the second straight year.

The Saints are slated to start Delvin Breaux and P.J. Williams at cornerback, as shown on Roster Resource. Finnegan was expected to provide depth behind both players this offseason, but he apparently didn’t do enough over the last month to make the Week 1 roster.

Finnegan’s deal with the Saints called for him to earn a $985K base salary with a $50K signing bonus and a $650K cap hit due to the minimum salary benefit. New Orleans is now only on the hook for the $50K bonus.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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