Bleacher Report names a Saints veteran that could be cut before the 2024 season

The New Orleans Saints didn’t make many splash signings this offseason, but they did add several veterans in free agency, drafted seven players, and signed several undrafted free agents. With all of these new players added to the roster, there will likely be some returning veterans who lose snaps, and others who are let go. We already witnessed the Saints cutting Kellen Mond after the team drafted Spencer Rattler, and it’s safe to say that’s just the start.

This is the reality that every team is facing. That’s why David Kenyon, in a recent piece for Bleacher Report, named the best player that could still be cut from every team this offseason. For New Orleans, Kenyon named linebacker D’Marco Jackson as the likely option.

Could Saints cut D’Marco Jackson this offseason?

As Kenyon points out, New Orleans is now stacked at linebacker. The team is returning Demario Davis, Pete Werner, and Nephi Sewell. The Saints also signed Willie Gay Jr., Khaleke Hudson, and Monty Rice this offseason, and also drafted Jaylan Ford. As Kenyon puts it, “All of those additions may have squeezed out D'Marco Jackson.”

Jackson was drafted by New Orleans in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, his NFL career got off to a slow start, spending his entire rookie season on injured reserve. Once healthy in year two, Jackson appeared in all 17 games. His production came almost exclusively on special teams, playing 83% of New Orleans’ special teams snaps. Jackson only played seven defensive snaps all year— all seven came in the Saints’ Week 18 blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons.

It’s easy to see how he could end up being the odd guy out, but the only linebackers whose spots seem guaranteed are Demario Davis, Pete Werner, and Willie Gay Jr. The rest of the guys will have to compete and prove their value on special teams. So there’s a chance D’Marco Jackson could remain with the Saints.

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