Tag: corps

Updated New Orleans Saints linebacker corps after signing Jaylon Smith

Updating the New Orleans Saints linebacker corps after adding Jaylon Smith: where the 2019 Pro Bowler fits in with Demario Davis, Pete Werner

The New Orleans Saints made a smart addition this week by signing Jaylon Smith, but where does the 2019 Pro Bowler fit into their linebacker corps? Odds are good that the Saints will continue to deploy two linebackers in their nickel and dime personnel packages, which has been the most-common look for them in recent years — meaning few snaps will be available for Smith behind Demario Davis and Pete Werner when everyone is healthy.

But there’s a path to success for him as the third linebacker on the depth chart. We’ve seen veterans make the most of those opportunities before, like Manti Te’o, Kiko Alonso, and Craig Robertson. So long as Smith is ready to play when the team calls his number, he should be a positive asset for them.

With that said, here’s what the linebacker corps looks like after adding Smith to the mix; players returning from last year’s 53-man roster are highlighted in bold text.

Austin Carr re-signs with the Saints practice squad

The New Orleans Saints signed veteran slot receiver Austin Carr to their practice squad, making him the ninth wide receiver on their team.

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Things are very much in flux for rosters around the NFL as teams tweak their depth charts and work last-minute deals before the start of the regular season. That activity extends to the New Orleans Saints, who brought veteran slot receiver Austin Carr back to their practice squad. The Saints reported the move on the daily NFL transactions wire.

Carr will occupy one of the final two available spots on the 16-man practice squad; the Saints previously announced deals with 14 additions. He will also be the ninth wide receiver in New Orleans, including five players listed on the 53-man roster. The full list:

  • Michael Thomas (roster)
  • Emmanuel Sanders (roster)
  • Tre’Quan Smith (roster)
  • Deonte Harris (roster)
  • Marquez Callaway (roster)
  • Lil’Jordan Humphrey (practice squad)
  • Bennie Fowler (practice squad)
  • Juwan Johnson (practice squad)
  • Austin Carr (practice squad)

Carr, a 26-year old slot specialist, has appeared in 23 games with the Saints since 2017 (including the playoffs). He’s totaled 11 catches on 19 targets, gaining 111 receiving yards while converting 6 first downs and scoring a pair of touchdown receptions. He appeared in six games for the Saints last season before his year ended on injured reserve, averaging a career-high 33 snaps per game.

It’s a sign of greatly improved depth in the receiving corps that Carr didn’t make the team after training camp, but keeping him on the practice squad as a reserve option isn’t a bad idea. He’s seen more NFL action than many free agents available right now, and already knows the Saints playbook. If they run into injuries or absences due to COVID-19, the Saints could do worse than calling him up again.

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