New Orleans Saints Roster Cuts Looming; Who Won't Survive?

by Dave Cariello on Aug 30, 2010 6:00 AM CDT

The first round of roster cuts is almost upon us, as NFL teams must trim their player inventory from 80 count to 75 by tomorrow, August 31st. The Saints already did some house cleaning last week ahead of schedule, getting rid of five players including Troy Evans and Rod Harper, but then followed that up by signing linebacker K.C. Asiodu and defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy. If you're doing the math at home, that means the Saints currently stand at 77 players and need only to cut two. Naturally this begs the question: Who will be out of a job by tomorrow?

Below is just some personal speculation about how we might see the roster cuts play out either today or tomorrow. Your critique and opinion are welcome as always. Feel free to discuss any other players you feel might be in harms way these next couple of days.

Jay Ross - DT

With the very recent signing of Kendrick Clancy, the Saints may decide to make an even trade-out, getting rid of a current defensive tackle to replace the new defensive tackle just acquired in Clancy. If that's the case, undrafted free agent Jay Ross seems a likely candidate to be let go. I haven't heard one peep about his performance during training camp and pre-season which I can only assume is a bad thing.

Sean Canfield - QB

Is he really going to make the final roster? Highly doubtful. I don't see the Saints taking up a valuable spot with a young quarterback whose playing time doesn't extend further than three late-game kneel downs in pre-season. Might as well stop delaying the inevitable and part ways now. Canfield may be destined for the Saints practice squad if he clears waivers.

Jermey Parnell - T

Parnell has tried to make this team at so many positions it's laughable. Defensive tackle, tight end and now offensive tackle, where I believe he's running with the third team. Last year he made it all the way to the final cut before being let go but was then brought back on for the practice squad. Perhaps this is the time that Jermey and the team finally part ways, however.

Harry Coleman - LB

The local product from LSU already knows what it's like to get released by the Saints and he's only been in the league one year. Fortunately for Coleman he was brought back and given another chance but he's a longshot for sure. It's really just a matter of whether they cut him now...or later.

Injured Reserve

In lieu of cutting someone the Saints may decide instead to place a player on Injured Reserve, effectively ending their season and not having them count toward the official roster number. Perhaps they might stash rookie tight end Jimmy Graham here for the year since he's been missing time lately with a high ankle sprain. We could all be surprised with a recently injured player like Zach Strief, Courtney Roby or - gasp! - Jonathan Vilma being placed on IR as well. Or maybe just for the tradition of it all, the Saints will place Stanley Arnoux and/or Chip Vaughn on IR for yet another season.

Poll

What position will the Saints definitely cut?

QB

296 votes

RB

40 votes

WR

80 votes

TE

15 votes

OL

13 votes

DT

79 votes

DE

10 votes

LB

29 votes

CB

13 votes

S

32 votes

607 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

First!

I’m saying DT because Clancy just got signed, which means the writing is on the wall for Ross. I think Canfield has a minimum chance at the practice squad, so I think he survives to final cuts. Plus I think Payton wants to give him reps in that last preseason game. Harry Coleman is another good call. Clint Ingram maybe? At want point do they give up on him if he can’t get on the field? Andy Tanner has also done nothing so I could see him getting axed.

by Andrew Juge on Aug 30, 2010 6:54 AM CDT reply actions

IR trigger alert....

Watch out for some of the youngsters to get the Payton’s treatment… Graham especially. Gee Dub is high on Arnoux…. Chip is healthy and had a statement game.. so unless he hurt his pinkie this morning he should be safe… lol

Gotta say agree with AJ… Tanner and Ross likely to go tomorrow

Ingram (and Sharper) will stay on PUP to borrow time and cheat a couple of spots for next round of cuts…

You are my people, you are my crowd, this is our music, we love it loud...

by bondcrash on Aug 30, 2010 7:33 AM CDT reply actions

I'm thinking WR

So many of them, top four are locks, need one, maybe two more (Roby, AA) Rest are practice squad, cuttable.

"But, why do you even ponder passing? I mean you can TAKE A KNEE!! AND TRY A 56 YARD FIELD GOAL!!!! This is not Detroit man THIS IS THE SUPERBOWL!!!" Minnesota play-by-play caller Paul Allen after Brett Favre's interception in the 2009 NFCCG

by Jimmmie on Aug 30, 2010 9:03 AM CDT reply actions

Fourth!

I’m guessing DT as well, and maybe WR.

Thing is, though: at this point we need a lot of camp bodies to stick around in order to flesh out the various squads. A lot of people who certainly won’t make the next cut will make this one, and it doesn’t mean they have a realistic chance at being on the final roster. Nobody would have guessed that Troy Evans would be sent packing before someone like Jay Ross, but he was. We might wind up being surprised. Cutting loose Bobby McCray, for instance, gives him a chance to latch on with another team. But cutting someone like Harry Coleman, now? He’s going nowhere, and we still need camp bodies.

It was worth the wait.

by MtnExile on Aug 30, 2010 9:27 AM CDT reply actions

Besides seeing his name on this post, Ive heard his name mentioned one other time. That’s not good for Ross, he’s gone. Also I think Parnell or Tanner is gone, Tanner first.

by tommy v on Aug 30, 2010 10:55 AM CDT reply actions

Canfield

Majority of the poll voters think Canfield will be gone tomorrow – not gonna happen guys. He’ll get few snaps on Thursday and if he only plays half decent he’ll end up on the PS

You are my people, you are my crowd, this is our music, we love it loud...

by bondcrash on Aug 30, 2010 11:28 AM CDT reply actions

WR

Slam dunk it’s gonna be WR. Just look at the sheer amount on the roster.

"I want the gas pedal down." Sean Payton

by SaintsChick on Aug 30, 2010 12:08 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs

You guys seem to be forgetting that the Reserve/PUP is now available.

Even if there is somebody they “know” won’t make the final 53 around, they may go on ahead and stash Sharper or Ingram on the PUP instead to let the kids play Thursday “just in case”.

by FriarBob on Aug 30, 2010 1:11 PM CDT reply actions

The saints have 6 S positions that the will have to downgrade.

Perison Prioleau, or Chris Reis will be cut from the roster. They might both be cut with the return of Vaughn. Roman Harper will stay in the strong saftey position. We all know that Jenkins and Sharper will make the cut. Behind them on the depth chart is Usama Young. His position is all but guarenteed because of Sharper’s injury. When Sharper comes back Jenkins might be working out in Roman Harper’s SS position in nickle and dime situations.

I know Chris Reis was the so called 2nd MVP in the superbowl because of the onside kick recovery. Here is the deal though, Sean Payton and company have shown us they are not afraid to cut their special teams special teams guys regardless of talent level.

"I can eat oreos faster than him" Scott Fujita's take on Payton Manning SB44

by jeremysherwin on Aug 30, 2010 1:26 PM CDT reply actions