Saints kick off Week 1 of 2025 with a roster cut that even players who are on the team didn’t see coming

J.T. Gray’s release is one that has sent a wave of surprise throughout the fan base and roster. Gray has been a franchise cornerstone because of his special teams prowess for quite some time.

This move signals a lot of confidence in their youth, though. Jonas Sanker is a rookie safety who flashed a lot during camp and the preseason. Isaiah Stalbird is a depth linebacker who dominated on ST throughout the preseason - his roster spot feels like a nod to that unit. Gray’s leadership will be missed if his time in black and gold has truly come to an end, though. He became a fan favorite over the years - which is even more impressive since he hasn’t been a defensive piece during his tenure. His impact has been in the return game only, one way or the other.

I’m interested to see if Gray lands elsewhere or looks for a return once more roster shakedown occurs for New Orleans. It’ll be weird to see him in a different uniform if he takes his veteran talents somewhere else.

- Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans

More context on why the move happened now and what is to come will likely occur in the coming days, but for now, it certainly comes as a shock to New Orleans fans and players.