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The New Orleans Saints have begun the difficult process of cutting their roster down from 80 players to just 53, and one of the first to go was rookie wide receiver Kawaan Baker. The team’s seventh round draft pick out of South Alabama struggled to separate from the pack in training camp. While he should be a favorite to land on the practice squad for more development, he has to clear waivers first.
Additionally, the Saints also waived wide receiver Easop Winston, who handled the bulk of returns duties on punts and kickoffs during their two preseason games. He made our final roster projection as an option to fill in for Deonte Harris, but the All-Pro returns specialist still has not officially received notice of his two-game NFL suspension following an offseason DUI charge. If Harris is cleared to start the regular season, Winston doesn’t have a role on the team.
This is an ongoing process that will continue to see roster moves filed in the hours and days ahead, so stay tuned for updates. For now, the Saints wide receiver corps includes two injured starters (Michael Thomas and Tre’Quan Smith) whose Week 1 availability is in doubt, along with Marquez Callaway, Ty Montgomery, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Chris Hogan, and Kevin White. The team rarely rosters more than five receivers so keep an eye out for more movement.
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