Tracking 2020 Saints practice squad signings, waiver claims

The New Orleans Saints released a wave of players in NFL roster cuts, but have the opportunity to re-sign many of them to the practice squad

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Nearly 900 NFL players had their contracts wiped out with teams at the league’s roster cuts deadline, putting many of them onto the waiver wire.

Some of the players released by the New Orleans Saints have returned to the practice squad, while a few others may get fresh starts with new teams. We’ve collected all of the latest reports and roster moves below, and will continue to update the list as more information becomes available, so check back often.

But first, a quick refresher on how the practice squad rules will look different in 2020. The new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFL Players Association expanded the practice squad from 10 contracts to 12, but the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the NFL to widen it again to 16 members.

Additionally, up to six of those players may be veterans with unlimited NFL experience (in the past, only those with three or fewer accrued seasons were practice squad eligible). Teams must designate four practice squad players as being protected from poaching by other teams each Tuesday during the regular season.

Now that the housekeeping is out of the way: here’s who is waiting in the wings in the Big Easy:

Signed to the Saints practice squad

  • Quarterback-turned-tight end Tommy Stevens is returning to the Saints practice squad after passing through waivers, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. He’ll get an opportunity to continue to develop while working with familiar coaches.
  • Undrafted rookie cornerback Keith Washington Jr. is also signing with the Saints practice squad, as announced by his representatives at Icon Sports Consulting. Washington really came on as training camp progressed and could climb the depth chart later this season.
  • The Saints expect to sign backup offensive lineman Cameron Tom to their practice squad, reports Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Tom is a versatile pro who can play both guard and center, and it’s always good to have players with NFL reps to their credit ready to call up.
  • NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reported that rookie linebacker Joe Bachie is signing with the Saints practice squad. Bachie received more guaranteed money in his contract than any other Saints undrafted rookie, and the coaching staff clearly liked what he showed in training camp.

Former Saints on new teams

  • Veteran pass rusher Mario Edwards Jr. joined the Chicago Bears, agreeing to a deal overnight. Because he is a sixth-year pro, he wasn’t eligible for waivers and could immediately hear out offers from other teams.

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