Saints Claim Richardson, Place Styles on IR, Add to Practice Squad
The New Orleans Saints claimed cornerback Decamerion Richardson off waivers from the Raiders and placed rookie safety Lorenzo Styles Jr. on injured reserve with a calf injury. The team also added wide receiver Cedric Tillman and tight end Stone Smartt to their practice squad. Richardson, a 2024 fourth-round pick, has 57 tackles in two seasons.
The Saints' waiver claim of Decamerion Richardson adds depth to a cornerback group that has dealt with attrition, as the 6-foot-2 defender brings two seasons of NFL experience despite modest ball production. His size fits the physical profile New Orleans has favored at the position. Meanwhile, Lorenzo Styles Jr.'s designation to return after Week 4 gives the rookie safety a defined recovery timeline from the calf issue suffered against the Rams.
Practice squad additions Cedric Tillman and Stone Smartt provide experienced insurance at receiver and tight end. Tillman offers size and starting pedigree from Cleveland, while Smartt brings positional versatility after converting from quarterback and wide receiver in college. With 14 of 17 practice slots filled plus an international exemption for kicker Charlie Smyth, the roster shows deliberate depth-building ahead of the regular season.
This story could affect Saints fans monitoring roster depth early in the season, as the moves signal how the team plans to manage injuries and special teams responsibilities. The return of Styles after Week 4 may shape defensive rotations, while Richardson's addition could influence cornerback competition. Practice squad signings may provide emergency options if injuries mount, potentially impacting game-day performance in close contests.