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The New Orleans Saints have never been shy about tryouts throughout training camp, and 2021 is proving to be no different.
Other players to visit the Saints today include former Jaguars and Bills RB TJ Yeldon and Seahawks and veteran G JR Sweezy. https://t.co/yBJjuwIS4A
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 31, 2021
According to various reports, the Saints brought in several visitors to Saturday’s camp practice. In addition to former Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, who was signed, they also got looks at another veteran running back and former Buffalo Bill TJ Yeldon, offensive linemen JR Sweezy (Seattle Seahawks) and another former New York Jet, Brent Qvale. They also took a visit on the defensive side with Prince Amukamara, who spent last year on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad, but many years as a starter and contributor for the Chicago Bears.
The signing of Freeman and visit with Yeldon may feel like a curious one, but the Saints have consistently brought in veteran running backs throughout camp over the last few seasons. With reports saying Ty Montgomery has been getting a lot of wideout snaps, there could be a battle for RB3.
For sure. Ty Montgomery, Rob Kelley, Matt Dayes, Shane Vereen, Terrance West, and Mike Gillislee all since 2018. https://t.co/kA90zaKWBi
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) July 31, 2021
Getting a look at veteran depth on the offensive line is a very safe practice. One that I’d expect New Orleans will continue. Remember, not every player brought in for a workout is being looked at for right now. In a lot of cases, teams like to make sure they have up-to-date information on a player in case they need to dip into free agency to fill a spot later on and even during the season. Sometimes it’s better to not spend time in dire straits in-season on a workout when you’ve already seen the player in the recent past.
The Saints have been consistent that they deem adding another player at the outside cornerback spot a must. While a visit with Amukamara may not immediately address the need for Saints fans, adding depth and considering available options certainly is not a mistake.
The Saints are bringing in veteran CB Prince Amukamara for a workout Saturday. Former first-round Giants pick didn’t play last year (spent much of it on the Cardinals’ practice squad), but has been working out in hopes of signing with a team for 2021.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) July 31, 2021
Over the last two season with Chicago (2018 and 2019), Amukamara was targeted 170 times allowing only a 57.6%. completion percentage. Pro Football Reference also tracks that in 2019, quarterbacks targeting him saw a 105.2 passer rating as opposed to the 75.3 rating he forced in 2018. He didn’t see any action in 2020. We’ll see if he’s ultimately signed, but it would not be worth assuming that they’d be done at the position if he did.
New Orleans could be looking to add to the rotation throughout camp and for Amukamara, just like the rest of the players the Saints reportedly brought in, an opportunity is an opportunity.
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