Saints' Surprising Cuts Include High-Graded Lineman Kilty
The New Orleans Saints trimmed to 53 players, with offensive lineman Easton Kilty and safety Terrell Burgess among the unexpected omissions. Kilty posted an 87.3 PFF grade and led the offense in run blocking, but shaky pass protection in the final preseason games hurt his chances. Both players could be practice squad candidates.
Kilty's release highlights the gap between analytics and roster decisions. Despite leading the offense with an 87.3 PFF grade and a 91.3 run-blocking mark, his pass-protection struggles in the final two preseason games proved decisive for the coaching staff. The undrafted rookie's performance against the Rams, where he posted an 80.2 overall grade, showed promise but not enough consistency.
Burgess's situation differs, as the Saints reportedly intend to bring him back via the practice squad, mirroring his path last season when he was elevated and played 16 games. Yiadom's release is notable given his guaranteed $1.5 million for 2026, suggesting the team values financial flexibility or believes younger cornerbacks offer more upside.
These cuts could affect the Saints' depth at critical positions, particularly offensive line and secondary, where injuries commonly occur during the season. Fans and analysts may question the front office's evaluation methods when advanced metrics favored Kilty, potentially influencing how undrafted players are perceived league-wide. Practice squad designations for Burgess and possibly Kilty could provide the team with flexible call-up options, though such moves carry risk if other teams poach them.