Xazavian Valladay's time with the New Orleans Saints was short lived. Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Saints waived the running back Friday morning before he was able to make it to training camp
Valladay had a long road to the roster
New Orleans is more than likely to keep a maximum of four running backs. Looking at Valladay's competition, he had one of the steepest climbs to make it to the roster. Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller and Devin Neal feel like the likeliest trio to make the team, and another back could make the roster with special teams contributions.
Let's say Miller or Neal fall flat in camp. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Velus Jones and Cam Akers are next in line to step into that slot. The running back room has suddenly become packed, so taking someone out of this room doesn't leave much of an imprint.
What it does do is make it improbable Valladay makes the practice squad, for now. The Saints waived Valladay, but it doesn't rule out a comeback. Players often leave and return during this portion of training camp.
It wouldn't be stunning to see the running back on the field at some point in training camp. His chances of making the final roster still won't be high, but his odds of making the practice squad would be more favorable.
The back and forth nature of these signings is typically due to making room for new signings. This move appears to be no different. KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson reported the Saints signed offensive tackle Barry Wesley of the UFL's Birmingham Stallions.
It was the second signing of a former UFL player the Saints made this week. This signing pushed New Orleans over the 90-man limit. In order to sign Wesley, they had to let go of another player. That player was Valladay.