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Here’s a shock at the New Orleans Saints roster cuts deadline: the team has waived rookie tight end Tommy Stevens, its final pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Saints traded their sixth-round selection in 2021 so that they could add Stevens in the seventh round, protecting him from being signed as a rookie free agent by the division-rival Carolina Panthers.
Stevens played quarterback at Mississippi State and Penn State, but was converted to tight end by the Saints in an effort to pick up the reins from versatile playmaker Taysom Hill — who is spending more and more time under center as the clock ticks away on the end for Drew Brees’ NFL career.
The rookie had played well enough in training camp to earn a spot on the practice squad, but first he’ll have to clear through waivers. That may be difficult if another team like the Panthers takes an interest in him. Stevens was coached up by Panthers offensive coordinator (and former Saints assistant) Joe Brady at Penn State, where he pioneered the playbook that Hill later made famous.
Waiver wire claims will be processed by noon E.T. on Sunday. Check back to see whether Stevens will remain with the team that drafted him.
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