NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports the Atlanta Falcons poached backup right tackle Storm Norton from the New Orleans Saints practice squad, signing the fourth-year pro to their 53-man roster. Norton spent the summer with the Saints and was not claimed during final roster cuts, ultimately staying in New Orleans through the first three weeks — though he never got the call up into a game.
He’ll have more opportunities to play for Atlanta, where starting right tackle Kaleb McGary has struggled to hold it down after signing a three-year contract extension earlier this year.
The Saints would have had an opportunity to match Atlanta’s offer and sign McGary to their own 53-man roster before he left, so they clearly feel they’ll be alright without him. Or maybe they’re looking to shake up the depth chart anyway. There’s been a lot of buzz among Saints fans hoping for the team to chase free agent offensive lineman La’el Collins, and he’d be an upgrade over Norton as Ramczyk’s backup. But would he be open to that role? We’ll have to wait and see how the Saints respond to Norton’s departure.
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