Preseason is always a fun time for fans because it’s finally time to see the players back practicing, but for some, it could be the last time they are on their team. Cuts are a significant part of the preseason process, and up until that deadline, the staff will be assessing players throughout the roster. Most of the cuts are young players trying to make it in the NFL or veterans signed as competition, but there are also veterans who used to be starters who end up getting beat out.
Every roster has
players who may never have met expectations or have faced roadblocks they have been unable to overcome. The staff can only give so many chances, and those chances diminish if that staff also did not draft the player.
The New Orleans Saints have a few former starters on their roster who could be cut at the deadline, but they will have a chance to prove themselves before that happens.
Here are some of those players:
Kendre Miller
Out of everyone on this list, this is the most frustrating. Kendre Miller, when healthy, is truly special to watch. He has speed, explosive ability, can break tackles, and proves he can be a high-level RB in the NFL. But I had to say when healthy before getting to any of that. Miller has been injured every single year he has been in the league, and it hasn’t been just missed games here and there; it has knocked him out for multiple weeks. Dennis Allen is to blame for some of those missed games after he made the questionable decision to put the young RB on IR, but Miller was injured before that happened.
Again, it’s clear Miller has talent, but the injuries are too much of an issue. He is still recovering from his devastating torn ACL that occurred last season, but if he can come back and stay healthy for the entire preseason, there’s still a chance he can make the playoffs. But it is his contract year, and if the Saints want to go in another direction, it would make sense.
Davon Godchaux
Last season, the Saints made a small move, trading away a 7th-rounder for DT Davon Godchaux. Around the league, many disregarded this move, but it was really smart for the Saints. This was the first season they were playing in a 3-4 scheme, and Godchaux was the perfect nose tackle to be in the middle of the defensive line. This was something the Saints did not have previously. Throughout the season, Godchaux had some good moments, but it always wasn’t as much of an impact as suspected.
The Saints were unable to fully play in their desired defensive scheme, which did hurt Godchaux’s impact. Maybe Godchaux could play better this season due to the Saints having more ideal personnel for 3-4, but also, he may not get the chance. Godchaux will have competition in training camp, and if the Saints find a better nose tackle, he could be cut at the deadline.
Pete Werner
Last of the veterans who will need to have a good preseason and training camp is Pete Werner. Yes, of these three players, Werner has the least competition. This could stop the Saints from ever releasing him, but Werner has not had the best health history, and last season was very inconsistent. Kaden Elliss was brought in to lead this group; Danny Stutsman has some high potential and showed great moments last season; and Isaiah Stalbird is a really good depth option.
This is a pretty good group, but if the Saints want to prop up Stutsman into a larger role and feel like they can get something decent in the Werner trade, he may not be on the Saints to start the season. But if Werner can stay healthy and look better than he did last season, then he will be on this roster.
