The New Orleans Saints kept four undrafted free agents at final cuts, including the much-hyped Rico Payton.
A cornerback from Pittsburgh State, Payton was a standout at training camp. Even being an older rookie at the age of 24 didn’t dampen his roster chances.
And it turns out the Saints weren’t the only team liking what they saw from Payton.
According to NOLA.com’s Matthew Paras, the Saints were in danger of losing Payton if they attempted anything like slipping him to the practice squad: “But perhaps the Saints felt as if they had no choice: A source said teams around the league were monitoring to see if Payton would become available.”
So caps an impressive story for Payton so far, especially considering he was a Division II prospect attempting to crack a roster already stacked at his position and headlined by Marshon Lattimore and second-rounder Kool-Aid McKinstry.
The Spun’s Chris Rosvoglou put it best: “Rico Payton making the 53-man roster is flat-out awesome. He played so well in the preseason he gave the Saints no choice. You weren't going to be able to sneak him onto the practice squad. Good for him.”
Payton’s ability on special teams and in the base defense is a big part of the reason other teams likely had him on lists ahead of final cuts—and also helps explain why the Saints felt comfortable keeping just five corners on the initial 53-man roster.
While the Saints will churn through other roster moves over the next week or so before Week 1, attempting anything with Payton likely won’t be happening, as it’s not easy to find gems like him that can accelerate a rebuild.
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