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With just a week to go until NFL-mandated roster cuts on Sept. 5, the New Orleans Saints are embracing the spirit of competition for the final leg of training camp by shuffling the fringes of their depth chart. On Saturday, that meant a flurry of roster moves reported to the daily NFL transactions wire.
Several of these changes were expected, like the release of injured defensive lineman Jalen Dalton (waived with an injury designation; he’s likely to return to the injured reserve list). The Saints also made two official signings that reports suggested were in the works, announcing deals with CFL linebacker Wynton McManis and journeyman pass rusher Anthony Lanier.
But the Saints also signed rookie free agent T.J. Carter, a Kentucky product who set personal bests in several categories as a senior. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 289 pounds, Carter figures to compete with Lanier and veterans like Margus Hunt and Mario Edwards Jr. for the final roster spot at defensive end. He was initially signed by the Arizona Cardinals after the 2020 NFL Draft but was released in July.
To make room for Carter, the Saints waived rookie left tackle Darrin Paulo. Paulo signed with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent from Utah. He was lining up mostly on the third string in practice, suggesting he wasn’t a strong candidate to help back up All-Pro starter Terron Armstead.
Each of these players will have a handful of practice sessions to make a strong impression on the Saints coaching staff, but they’ll have to work quickly in such a brief window. Practice squad spots will be coming at a premium this year.
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