The New Orleans Saints have finalized their initial 53-man roster, but seriously, some of the talent they let go cannot be leaving the organization for long. After waivers clear, the Saints absolutely need to get to work building out their practice squad, especially with that sweet extra spot thanks to the International Player Pathway program. You know some of these guys are going to get looks elsewhere if they clear waivers, but if they’re still available, New Orleans better be making these seven players their top priority.
The Instant Impact Players New Orleans Better Snag Back
First up, you gotta talk about running back Zamir White. The dude barely had a minute to learn the offense after that trade from the 49ers, but he absolutely made an immediate impression. Four carries for 46 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown in the preseason finale against Dallas? That’s making a statement, plain and simple. With Alvin Kamara, Ty Chandler, and Devin Neal already dealing with injuries, White’s 45 career games and nine starts scream “valuable emergency depth.” They need that experience.
Then there’s kicker Charlie Smyth. This guy’s a no-brainer! He’s still in the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, which means the Saints can keep him as an extra practice squad player without burning a regular spot. Even though Daniel Carlson took the starting job, Smyth was money in 2025, hitting 12-of-16 field goals in his last six games. Four of those were from 50 yards or more! And a perfect 13-for-13 on extra points? You don’t let that kind of talent walk, especially when it costs you nothing.
Underrated Talent and Depth the Saints Can’t Afford to Lose
Don’t sleep on quarterback Hunter Dekkers either. He didn’t get a ton of chances, but in his first NFL preseason, he went 8-of-15 for 69 yards and led a late drive right down to Jacksonville’s 2-yard line. He was on their practice squad last season and picked up UFL experience, so he knows the playbook. He’s that logical developmental quarterback they need to keep around.
And wide receiver Bub Means? He put on one of the Saints’ best individual preseason shows against Jacksonville, snagging four catches for 77 yards, including some seriously big gains of 28 and 37 yards. Sure, injuries limited him to seven regular-season games, but this former fifth-round pick has an intriguing mix of size and vertical speed. If he clears waivers, his development absolutely needs to continue in New Orleans.
On the offensive line, Alan Herron is a smart pickup for the practice squad. This undrafted rookie started 24 games at right tackle at Maryland, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2025. He even got invites to the NFL Scouting Combine and the Senior Bowl. Keeping him means more time to develop his technique and keeps another young tackle in their system. Along with him, Xavier Truss, who’s a 6-foot-7, 320-pound lineman, is super versatile. He played in seven games for them as a rookie, mostly on special teams, and can play both tackle or guard. He’s got a year in the organization already, and that familiarity makes him a seriously useful option if injuries start hitting their offensive line depth.
Finally, safety Terrell Burgess contributed 15 tackles and three pass breakups in 16 games last season. He knows Brandon Staley’s defense already, which is huge for continuity. Losing that kind of familiarity on the backend would be a mistake.
Look, the initial 53-man roster is set, but the real work starts now. The Saints need to move fast once waivers are done. With depth, development, and that extra IPP spot on the line, getting these seven guys back on the practice squad is critical for weathering the early season and building for the future. You know other teams are looking. These guys are too good to let walk!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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