The anticipation surrounding cut day in the NFL is always brimming with surprises, and this year’s roster adjustments for the New Orleans Saints were no exception. The fans were left stunned by three major moves that reshaped the team’s dynamics heading into the 2023 season.
Surprise Move #1: Broncos Acquire Kicker Wil Lutz
In a surprising twist, the New Orleans Saints bid farewell to their veteran kicker Wil Lutz, who had been a staple in the team’s special teams unit for five seasons. The Denver Broncos swooped in to secure Lutz’s services, sealing the deal with a 2024 seventh-round pick. Lutz’s absence was felt last season due to an injury, and his field goal success rate dropped to a career-low 74.2%. This unexpected trade signaled a changing of the guard in the Saints’ kicking game, as rookie kicker Blake Grupe steps up to the plate.
The #Broncos are trading for #Saints Pro Bowl kicker Wil Lutz, per @RapSheet. He's back with Sean Payton.
Surprise Move #2: Undrafted Punter Lou Hedley Claims Starting Role
Experience took a backseat as the Saints opted for a bold move in the punting department. Thirty-year-old undrafted rookie free agent punter, Lou Hedley, emerged victorious in the battle for the starting punter position over Blake Gillikin. Hedley’s journey from Australian rules football to Miami’s college football scene has culminated in a spot on the Saints’ roster. His unorthodox path showcases the team’s willingness to embrace unique talents, while Gillikin, who had previously shown promise, was waived.
Pretty wild story: New #Saints punter Lou Hedley is from Australia, and is a 30 year old undrafted rookie.
He owned a tattoo shop in Bali, Indonesia and worked as a scaffolder, via @MikeTriplett
He then pursued his dream and started punting at City College in San Francisco and… pic.twitter.com/2jKDOp1HY9
Semi-Surprise #3: Veteran CB Bradley Roby Released
One of the more unexpected moves came in the form of releasing cornerback, Bradley Roby. The seasoned defensive back had been a cornerstone in the Saints’ secondary since his acquisition in 2021. Roby’s stint with the Saints was marked by his role as the primary slot cornerback and his ability to disrupt passes. However, the decision to part ways with Roby hinted at a strategic shift in the team’s defensive lineup. This move opens the door for emerging talent Alontae Taylor to step into a more prominent role, backed by a strong rookie season in 2022.
Goodluck to my brothers and the Saints fans y’all deserve to be winners ! #WhoDat ⚜️
As the dust settles on these surprising roster changes, the New Orleans Saints are embracing a new era, infused with fresh faces and reimagined roles. Fans are left eagerly awaiting the start of the season to see how these unexpected moves will impact the team’s performance on the field. The NFL’s ever-evolving landscape proves that cut day decisions can reshape the course of a franchise and usher in exciting new possibilities.
