Saints Roster Cuts: Post-Draft Moves Shake Up Depth Chart
The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the New Orleans Saints wasted no time reshaping their roster. On Monday, April 27, the team announced the release of two wide receivers and a running back, signaling a clear intention to open opportunities for their incoming rookie class while simultaneously addressing salary cap considerations.
These cuts, while not headlined by major star power, carry significant weight for the Saints' roster construction heading into the summer. Let's break down who was let go and what it means for New Orleans moving forward.
The Moves
According to reports, the Saints parted ways with veteran wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith, fellow wideout Keith Kirkwood, and running back Jordan Mims. All three players had been with the organization through various stages of their careers, but the Saints are clearly turning the page toward a younger, more cost-effective roster.
Smith, a former third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, was one of the longest-tenured pass-catchers on the roster. He has been a reliable depth piece and occasional contributor, but his production has never quite matched his draft pedigree. Kirkwood, an undrafted free agent who has bounced between the Saints and other teams, has been a training camp standout and special teams contributor. Mims was a developmental back who showed flashes in limited preseason action but never carved out a consistent role behind Alvin Kamara and the Saints' backfield depth.
Why Now?
The timing of these cuts is important. The NFL Draft concluded on Saturday, April 25, and by Monday, teams are already making room for their new rookies. The Saints selected a wide receiver and a running back in the 2026 draft, and those new faces will need roster spots. Releasing Smith, Kirkwood, and Mims creates those vacancies while also freeing up some salary cap space.
For the Saints, who are perpetually operating near the salary cap ceiling under general manager Mickey Loomis, every dollar matters. These releases, while not massive in terms of cap savings, add up. Depending on the contract structures, the Saints could save roughly $2-3 million in cap space from these moves, money that can be used to sign their rookie class or make further free-agent additions.
What It Means for the Wide Receiver Room
With Smith and Kirkwood gone, the Saints' wide receiver depth chart looks significantly different. Head coach Kellen Moore and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier will now lean heavily on the team's top trio: Chris Olave, Damien Alford, and a newly acquired veteran via free agency. Beyond those three, the battle for the final roster spots becomes wide open.
The Saints drafted a wide receiver on Day 3 of the 2026 draft, and that rookie now has a clear path to a role. Additionally, undrafted free agents and practice squad holdovers will get an extended look during OTAs and training camp. The team could also explore the waiver wire or veteran free agent market to add depth, but the message is clear: the Saints are prioritizing youth and upside over familiarity.
Smith's departure, in particular, ends a long-running chapter. He was a fan favorite and a reliable blocker on the perimeter, but his inability to consistently separate or produce big plays limited his ceiling. Smith's career average of 11.2 yards per reception was serviceable but no longer aligned with the Saints' desire for explosive offensive playmakers.
Running Back Shake-Up
The release of Jordan Mims is less surprising but still notable. The Saints have a clear top three at running back: Alvin Kamara, Travis Etienne Jr., and 2025 draft pick Kendre Miller. That trio is set, and Mims was the odd man out. However, with the Saints drafting a running back in the 2026 draft, the competition for the fourth and possibly fifth spots intensifies.
Mims showed some burst in preseason action, but his special teams value wasn't enough to secure his spot. The Saints will now look to their rookie running back and potentially an undrafted free agent to fill the depth roles behind the established core.
Roster Construction Philosophy
These moves reinforce Mickey Loomis's approach to roster management: always willing to move on from players who aren't core contributors, especially when younger, cheaper alternatives are available. The Saints have been aggressive in recent years about churning the bottom of the roster, and this post-draft cleaning is a continuation of that philosophy.
For the players released, the timing is common in the NFL offseason cycle. Teams make these cuts immediately after the draft to allow other clubs a chance to claim them off waivers or sign them as free agents. Smith, Kirkwood, and Mims will likely catch on elsewhere, whether on a practice squad or competing for a spot on another team's 53-man roster.
What's Next?
The Saints will carry a 90-man roster into OTAs and minicamp, with these three roster spots likely filled by undrafted free agents and tryout players from rookie minicamp. The team still has some areas to address, including depth along the defensive line and linebacker corps, so don't be surprised if more transactions are on the horizon.
For now, Saints fans should view these cuts as a natural part of the annual roster cycle. The team is making calculated bets on their 2026 draft class and trusting their development system. Whether those bets pay off will be determined on the field this fall.
Final Verdict: These aren't headline-grabbing moves, but they are smart, measured decisions by a front office that understands the importance of roster churn. The Saints are getting younger, cheaper, and more athletic at the wide receiver and running back positions. In a salary cap league where every dollar counts, that's how you build sustainable depth.
The journey to the 2026 season is just beginning, and the Saints are already putting their stamp on it.
