The New Orleans Saints made significant changes to their lineup in a Wednesday shake-up. Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis announced several signings, placements on injured reserve, and contract terminations, reshaping the team’s composition for the upcoming challenges on the gridiron.
One notable addition to the active roster is wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. The 6-foot-1, 204-pound receiver showcased his skills during the 2023 preseason, amassing three receptions for 40 yards. Bowden also proved his versatility by contributing on special teams, returning punts for 43 yards and kickoffs for 61 yards. His journey to the Saints began at the end of the offseason, solidifying his spot on the roster after initially being drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Another noteworthy signing is defensive end Kyle Phillips. Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 277 pounds, Phillips entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 with the New York Jets, hailing from the University of Tennessee. During the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, Phillips made a significant impact by intercepting a pass and returning it five yards, setting up a game-winning field goal. Throughout his NFL career, he has notched 68 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and a pass defense in 29 games with eight starts.
Adding to the defensive depth, the Saints welcomed defensive backFaion Hicks, a seventh-round pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Pembroke Pines, Fla. native made his presence known on special teams in 2022, appearing in two games. Hicks boasts an impressive college career, starting 39 of 44 games for the Wisconsin Badgers, amassing 108 tackles, one interception, and 18 passes defensed.
In the tight end department, Michael Jacobson, a 6-foot-7, 244-pound player, has joined the Saints. Jacobson’s journey to the NFL is unique, as he transitioned from a college basketball career at Nebraska and Iowa State to professional football. His experience includes stints on the practice squads of the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts.
Linebacker Terrell Lewis, a 6-foot-5, 262-pound athlete, comes to the Saints after being selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent his first few years in the league with the Rams before joining the Chicago Bears practice squad in the 2022 season. Lewis brings valuable experience, having participated in 30 NFL games, recording 40 tackles, six sacks, an interception, three passes defensed, and a forced fumble.
Lastly, linebackerTy Summers, a four-year NFL veteran, adds depth to the Saints’ defense. Summers was initially chosen by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He arrived in New Orleans from the Jacksonville practice squad in Week 16 of the 2022 season and made an immediate impact with two coverage stops.
In addition to these signings, the Saints made some necessary placements on injured reserve. Defensive end Payton Turner and linebacker Ryan Connelly find themselves on the injured reserve list, while wide receiverJontre Kirklin had his practice squad contract terminated.
