2 players Saints will regret leaving off the 53-man roster in 2024

On Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints, like every other NFL team, had to cut their roster down to just 53 players. To accomplish this, the franchise had to cut a ton of players, and place some other guys on the PUP list and Injured Reserve. It’s never easy to let players go, and that’s why cut day is considered the hardest day on the NFL calendar.

For the Saints, the majority of moves made were expected, but there were a few surprises. Additionally, there were a couple of decisions that fans didn’t agree with, and could ultimately be moves the team ends up regretting. In order for New Orleans to actually regret waiving a player, the player would have to move on to another team.

Typically, when teams cut guys after training camp, they’ll try to sign them to the practice squad. That can be prevented if the player is claimed on waivers, or clears waivers and opts to sign with another team. Following, Tuesday’s cuts, New Orleans has two guys it’s definitely hoping clears waivers, or the team will regret the decision to cut them.

Players Saints will regret cutting if they don’t clear waivers

Kyle Hergel

Kyle Hergel was one of the big surprise cuts. The undrafted rookie had a promising camp and preseason, and quickly established himself as a versatile lineman. He even took first-team reps at times throughout camp when other players were out with injuries.

Considering the start of the offensive line, New Orleans needs him on the practice squad. On the initial 53-man roster, the Saints have just eight offensive linemen, and only one of the reserve guys is an interior offensive linemen. The Saints will be keeping their fingers crossed, hoping Hergel clears waivers.

Shemar Jean-Charles

Another surprise was Shemar Jean-Charles being waived. The cornerback, who’s entering year four, played really well for the Saints this offseason. He also received some prominent snaps, especially when guys like Marshon Lattimore and Kool-Aid McKinstry were sidelined with injury.

It’s hard to say New Orleans will regret losing a corner, especially since that’s the most talented unit on the team, but Jean-Charles could be a tremendous depth piece for the Saints— especially considering the health history at the cornerback position in New Orleans. He’s another name the team will be watching on the waiver wire.

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