Breaking down NOLA Saints’ two recent roster cuts
By Kristen Wong
The New Orleans Saints just released two players from the roster, quarterback K.J. Costello and running back Devine Ozigbo. What does this mean for the team?
Not too much.
K.J. Costello already faced an uphill battle to crack the quarterback room with Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton as the starter and backup for 2022. If anything, Costello was serving as third- or fourth-string depth alongside Ian Book, and Book has the edge in regards to familiarity in the Saints’ system.
Costello spent a brief stint in the USFL prior to getting picked up by the Saints but didn’t see any action in preseason so far. His quick release comes as no surprise.
The more intriguing roster cut is that of Devine Ozigbo, who some initially thought could earn a final spot in NOLA’s running back room.
Saints release QB K.J. Costello and RB Devine Ozigbo in 2022
The 25-year old had been competing against Tony Jones Jr., Abram Smith, and Dwayne Washington for a backup spot behind Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram.
Ozigbo played in both of the Saints’ preseason games, recording eight carries for 26 yards against the Houston Texans and seven carries for 40 yards (including two receptions for seven yards) against the Green Bay Packers.
The Nebraska product got his first taste of the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and showed promise in New Orleans, but unfortunately he will be looking for another home after being cut by the Saints.
The team’s running back corps just got a little less crowded with Jones, Smith, and Washington left to vie for a depth role.
Next. Winners and losers from Saints Week 2 preseason game vs. Packers. dark
Keep an eye on how the running back competition plays out this preseason.