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In what was supposed to be a day of rest and break for the Saints, the front office has made multiple signings to fill out the team’s 90 man (91 for New Orleans, with Alex Jenkins’ exception) roster.
The signings started by the team bringing in former Cardinals, Patriots and Vikings WR Michael Floyd. Floyd was drafted in the 1st round by the Arizona Cardinals, and he fell into some trouble with the law that led to a 4 game suspension from the Vikings in 2017. Between 2013-2016 Floyd reeled in at least 5 touchdowns each season and was also a member of the Patriots’ Super Bowl squad in 2016.
His time in Minnesota was a bit underwhelming, bringing in only 78 yards on 10 receptions and no touchdowns. At only 28 years old there still might be enough talent there for the Saints to use him should he earn a spot on the roster. This signing coincides with WR Travin Dural being put on injured reserve.
The Saints are signing WR Michael Floyd, per source
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) July 31, 2018
Even though you’ll see WR listed next to Brandon Tate’s name its been his play as a punt and kick returner that has kept him in the league going on his 10th season. Tate has amassed 3 TDs and almost 7,000 return yards in his time with the Patriots, Bengals and Bills as a return man with his best seasons coming in 2010 and 2011. His most recent stint with Buffalo saw him have 1,210 kick return yards and 494 punt return yards over the course of 28 games.
In addition to adding Michael Floyd, the Saints are also signing WR Brandon Tate, and WR Travin Dural (broken arm) is going on IR, per sources.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) July 31, 2018
Finally, the Saints signed Don Barclay who most recently was with the Detroit Lions and started his career in Green Bay. The 29 year old has 25 career starts in 65 games with most of those coming at right tackle. Barclay was the primary right tackle for the Packers 2013 campaign.
While with Detroit Barclay saw duties at right guard as well. With the departure of Senio Kelemete there are still depth questions along the offensive line for New Orleans. Jermon Bushrod was brought in to help fill the gap, but he is now entering his 12th season.
Saints signed OL Don Barclay, per source
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) August 1, 2018
The corresponding moves to bring in Barclay and Tate have yet to be announced. We’ll update with that information when it becomes available.
8/1/18 Update: The Saints have waived WRs Josh Smith and Eldridge Massington.