Canal Street Chronicles
Going into last season, the New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver room had one proven answer and a bunch of possibilities. This offseason, however, the front office made the position a focal point.
The Saints went into the draft and came away with three wide receivers, the highest being Jordyn Tyson, who was selected with the eighth overall pick. The additions of the three rookies, along with veterans Devaughn Vele and Chris Olave, mean the Saints already have five receivers who appear to be in strong position to make the roster before minicamp even begins.
But they didn’t stop there.
Kevin Austin Jr., Ronnie Bell, Damien Alford, Mason Tipton, Bub Means, Trey Palmer, and Ja’Lynn Polk were all part of the wide receiver room heading into rookie minicamp. Most of them already have some familiarity with the organization, having spent time with the Saints previously. Then, following rookie minicamp, the Saints signed rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner, adding him to the roster for OTAs and minicamp.
The Saints will not carry 13 wide receivers into the regular season. Typically, the team keeps six receivers on the active roster along with a few more on the practice squad. Barion Brown was initially expected to make the roster primarily because of his return ability, but throughout the offseason he has showcased his receiving skills and appears to be growing into a much larger offensive role. That likely eliminates the need to keep another receiver solely as a specialist.
This means the remaining eight receivers on the roster could be battling for just one spot. That competition should be fascinating to watch.
Mason Tipton has been around the Saints organization for a while, and every offseason he flashes potential. He received some game opportunities last season and performed adequately, but now he must prove he can take the next step.
Bub Means was drafted by the Saints in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The expectation was that he could develop into the big-bodied possession receiver the Saints have been missing since Michael Thomas left the team. For one reason or another, it has not come together for him yet.
Trey Palmer is a veteran who has spent time in the league and has been a reliable contributor for the Buccaneers as both a receiver and returner. Since arriving in New Orleans, however, injuries have slowed his progress. Perhaps this will be the year he can finally showcase his skills and earn a roster spot.
Kevin Austin Jr. is another receiver who has now been with the Saints for two seasons. During that time, he has appeared in 16 games, recording 24 receptions for 291 yards and one touchdown. There is still plenty of untapped potential there.
Ja’Lynn Polk was acquired by the Saints in a trade after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. The Saints are believed to be very high on Polk’s potential, but this will be his first real opportunity to show why the organization traded for him.
Ronnie Bell...
