The New Orleans claimed Trey Palmer from waivers Wednesday morning. This unfortunately means New Orleans will have to cut a player to make room for Palmer. Cedrick Wilson is the cut candidate that makes the most sense.
It’s easy to see Palmer slotting in as a return specialist with slight receiving value. He has great long speed, is a solid open field runner, and began to return punts last year with the Buccaneers. With Rashid Shaheed’s role growing offensively, it makes sense to dial back his usage on special teams.
It’s a strong reminder that the 53-man roster shouldn’t be viewed as final. It’s an initial cut and moves will be made, so it should be viewed as a rough draft. If the Saints do make the “swap” of Palmer for Wilson, they would have a more traditional six man wide receiver room.
Releasing Cedrick Wilson is the only move for the Saints to make
Truthfully, Wilson making the initial 53-man roster was a surprise. The top five receivers were solidified after the Saints traded for Devaughn Vele before the preseason finale.
If the Saints were going to keep six wide receivers, many believed Dante Pettis would take that slot. Pettis brought special teams ability to the room that justified keeping an extra receiver. As mentioned earlier, Palmer would now check that box.
While keeping a sixth wide receiver without return ability was surprising, it’s not unheard of. Keeping seven wide receivers, on the other hand, is improbable. With Wilson entrenched as the final receiver, the addition of Palmer should push him out the room. Put roles aside for a moment, one receiver needs to leave the room from a pure numbers perspective.
Look at Wilson’s roster spot as if it were March Madness. After the initial cut down, Wilson was one of the last four in. The Saints claiming Palmer now puts Wilson among the first four out.