Saints sign all but three practice squad players to reserve/future deals

This may look unusual, but it isn’t uncommon. The New Orleans Saints signed reserve/future deals with all but three players from their 2023 practice squad — essentially inviting those 13 players who are returning to their 2024 training camp. Everyone who was on the practice squad except for offensive lineman Colby Gossett, wide receiver Marquez Callaway, and rookie receiver Shaquan Davis are inked to return in 2024.

But this doesn’t shut the door on anyone. Teams often issue reserve/future contracts (which are just minimum-salary deals that guarantee players a spot on the 90-man offseason roster) in batches, and they’ll likely circle back to Davis and Co. after handling other business. They’re able to work out other players who didn’t sign reserve/future deals around the league after their practice squad contracts expired.

Davis specifically endeared himself to Saints fans during the 2023 preseason by catching 7 passes for 101 yards, largely from the slot. The former undrafted rookie from South Carolina State has rare size at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, but a midseason injury sidelined him. Hopefully he can return for 2024 and compete for more snaps.

Here’s a quick look back at the 13 players who did sign reserve/future contracts with New Orleans:

RB James Robinson

Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Jets running back James Robinson (23) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

CB Faion Hicks

Aug 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ronnie Bell (10) stiff arms Denver Broncos cornerback Faion Hicks (29) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

RB Jordan Mims

Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Jordan Mims (35) runs with the ball during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

DE Niko Lalos

New Orleans Saints defensive end Niko Lalos (60) in action during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)

LB Anfernee Orji

Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Elijah Dotson (42) stiff arms New Orleans Saints linebacker Anfernee Orji (58) during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

OL Tommy Kraemer

Aug 12, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer (78) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

OL Mark Evans II

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 04: Offensive lineman Mark Evans II of Arkansas‐Pinebluff speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

DT John Penisini

Dec 19, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Penisini (98) jogs off the field during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

TE Michael Jacobson

WESTFIELD, IN – AUGUST 02: Michael Jacobson #49 of the Indianapolis Colts is seen during training camp at Grand Park on August 2, 2022 in Westfield, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

TE Tommy Hudson

Tennessee Titans tight end Tommy Hudson (89) runs a drill during an NFL football practice Thursday, June 3, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, Pool)

DT Jack Heflin

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Jack Heflin (90) participates in training camp at Ray Nitschke Field, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinSamantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin via Imagn Content Services, LLC