New Orleans Saints Announce Shocking Roster Decisions and Shakeup
The New Orleans Saints announced a number of roster moves on Tuesday, mostly shaking up the practice squad -- while making some notable changes to the 53-man roster. With so many players coming and going, here's what you need to know about each transaction.
CB Michael Davis signed to the 53-man roster
Davis was initially extended a spot on the practice squad, but competitive offers from teams like the Detroit Lions pushed the Saints to sign him to the 53-man roster outright. One of Taysom Hill's former college teammates at BYU, Davis was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers as a rookie free agent in 2017, and he
RB Velus Jones Jr. waived from the 53-man roster
This is mildly surprising. Jones had been one of the team's primary kick returners, along with Kendre Miller, but he averaged just 22.9 yards per try and hadn't been a factor outside of special teams. It's possible the Saints could re-sign him to the practice squad if he clears waivers, but it could be a real split, too. Stay tuned.
TE Moliki Matavao signed to the practice squad
Both of the Saints' seventh-round picks are now on the team's practice squad, with Matavao joining defensive end Fadil Diggs. Matavao was waived over the weekend to open a spot for Foster Moreau on the 53-man roster, but the team still has plans for him, so he's going to stick around a little longer. It feels notable that the Saints have three tight ends on the roster now in Moreau, Juwan Johnson, and Jack Stoll (four if you count Taysom Hill), plus two more on the practice squad between Matavao and Treyton Welch.
WR Ronnie Bell signed to the practice squad
Here's a new name. Bell was a seventh-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers back in 2023 and appeared in 26 games, though he caught just eight passes for 90 yards. He fits the same athletic profile the Saints have valued at wide receiver with a 6-foot-0, 190-pound frame and good numbers in the jumps and agility drills coming out of college (though his 4.54 time in the 40-yard dash is beneath their usual standards).
Saints release three other practice squad players
Defensive end Garrett Nelson was one of three guys let go from the practice squad, along with offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea and rookie quarterback-turned-wide receiver
Browns veteran already looks finished one month into 2025 season
It's no secret the Browns have had a massive issue at offensive tackle this season, as veteran Jack Conklin had an early absence following a Week 1 elbow injury, while Dawand Jones suffered a season-ending injury. As a result, swing tackle Cornelius Lucas was thrust into a full-time starting role basically from the jump. They have since acquired Cam Robinson and got Conklin back from injury, but the trade was more a result of not getting near the level of play they need from Lucas or KT Leveston.
Lucas is in his age-34 season, where he has mostly been the sixth offensive tackle who fills in during a pinch for an injured starter. While that was originally his job when he signed a two-year deal this offseason, he quickly became a starter with the injuries up front. Unfortunately, the once-steady veteran has not played like he did during the first 12 years of his career, putting up an abysmal start to his Cleveland tenure.
Cornelius Lucas struggled taking on a larger role than usual
Per PFF, Lucas is graded as the 97th-ranked offensive tackle out of 113 players with a 45 overall grade. He's put up a horrid 35.6 pass blocking grade on the 14th most pass blocking snaps of any tackle. PFF has credited Lucas with allowing 28 pressures in those snaps, including two sacks, which has led to his horrendous grade. No tackle in the NFL has allowed more pressures through five weeks than Lucas, and that's without him getting a single snap in Week 5.
The rest of the offense has undeniably had their issues as well - from apathetic play out of Joe Flacco, to receivers struggling to create consistent separation - but most of those issues could be partially hidden with better offensive tackle play. It's unfortunate they could not get better play out of Lucas, but perhaps more time learning the offense, along with some continuity, could better prepare him for the next time his number is called upon.
Considering Lucas is one of the few offensive linemen under contract in 2026, the Browns could really use him to get back on track to at least be a competent swing tackle option going forward.
