The Last Cut is the Deepest

by Sunil @ Canal Street Chronicles on Sep 2, 2007 12:50 AM CDT in News

The Saints trimmed their roster to the league-mandated 53-player-limit today, and in doing so released their third-string quarterback and fourth-round pick.

Tyler Palko was the final quarterback standing from a position battle that included, at various points, both Jason Fife and Matt Baker. None of the three was particularly impressive this preseason, at least on a consistent basis. What's more, the team navigated last season with only Drew Brees and Jamie Martin on the depth chart, so there's reason to believe that carrying only two quarterbacks is possible.

Also included in the cuts were running back Antonio Pittman, the team's fourth-round pick, and Chris Reis. Pittman also failed to impress coaches, and by the end of camp was clearly behind undrafted free agent Pierre Thomas on the depth chart.

Reis may be the most troubling cut. A second-year safety from Georgia Tech, Reis showed a knack for making plays both on special teams and in the defensive secondary. On a team that is starved for playmakers, Reis showed an impressive, developable skillset. Of the three, the team would do the best to add Reis' name to the practice squad.

By the way, Pittman doesn't count as a wasted pick, since Thomas' presence mitigates the loss, and since they didn't spend a pick on Thomas. They still got a rookie running back, and for the cost of a fourth-round pick. It's just a different guy than they actually picked.

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stupid osu

the saints will be much better off without pittman.

by nik on Sep 2, 2007 7:36 PM CDT reply actions

Counterargument

Just to give the other side that it was a wasted pick. The Saints traded two picks to move up to select Pittman. In a way, the Saints gave up two picks to cut Pittman.

I understand both sides of the argument. I don't have a preference for either because I trust that the staff made the right decision.

by southernsaint on Sep 2, 2007 11:39 PM CDT reply actions

About Saints Roster

On the other hand, the Saints still got a rookie RB out of the deal. Instead of getting Pittman, the Saints got Pierre Thomas. That is another way of looking at it.

I'm more surprised by the Saints carrying 5 TEs right now. They resigned Ronnie Ghent today. Mark Campbell is out for the Indy game, but I still don't see the need for 4 TEs. Unless of course Sean Payton is going to give the Colts a big dose of 3 TE, 1 FB, 1 RB formations and run it down their throats all game.

by nolastyle on Sep 3, 2007 9:15 PM CDT reply actions