Later today, the New Orleans Saints will close their preseason slate against the Denver Broncos. The end of the preseason officially marks 15 days until the games begin to count. In a little more than two weeks, the Arizona Cardinals come to town for a Week 1 showdown. When the two teams face off, Mason Tipton should be on the field.
Until Wednesday, it wasn't even a conversation on whether or not Tipton would make the roster. Then the Saints traded for Devaughn Vele. The two aren't the same type of wide receiver at all, but the trade does add another body to that room.
Even with the trade, it seems like a safe bet for Tipton to make the final roster. He's had too many flashes to not earn that spot. At this point, it feels like the wide receiver room is locked in. Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks, Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton.
The Saints can't afford to let Mason Tipton test waivers, and they won't
There's only one reason the Saints would choose to leave Tipton off the initial roster, the Saints preferring to keep Cedrick Wilson in the room as a veteran. The last spot would seemingly come down to Wilson or Tipton. Dante Pettis is only involved as a return specialist, similar to Velus Jones Jr. at running back.
Wilson status as a veteran may hold more weight if Brandin Cooks wasn't in the room. As far as veteran leadership, there isn't a void. Having a second veteran in the room likely won't outweigh the plays we've see from Tipton in the preseason.
Here's the thing. If we've seen it, other teams have seen it. Tipton caught the deep touchdown from Tyler Shough in the opener. He then caught another deep pass in the second game. This time it was from Spencer Rattler. These aren't plays only being noticed by Saints fans.
Tipton is making high profile plays, and he is likely going to be targeted by other teams if he is let go at roster cuts. You're more likely to see Wilson return to you after roster cuts. Even if he doesn't, would you rather lose Tipton or Wilson?