New Orleans Saints Release Backup Cornerback Faion Hicks: What This Means for the Team’s Offseason Roster

The New Orleans Saints recently waived backup cornerback Faion Hicks, as reported by John Hendrix of Saints News Network. This move opened up a spot on the team’s offseason 90-man roster, which actually became a 91-man roster due to rookie kicker Charlie Smyth’s exemption under the NFL’s International Player Program.

Hicks had joined the Saints’ practice squad in September after being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2022 from Wisconsin. However, he was not in the Saints’ plans for fixing Denver’s defense and was cut during final roster cuts. Despite showing promise during spring practices, Hicks missed time due to a recent hamstring injury. He was aiming to compete for a practice squad spot again this summer, but the Saints already had their likely cornerback roster set.

Under Dennis Allen, the Saints typically roster four corners who are all active when healthy, with two or three backups stashed on the practice squad. Competition for these spots currently includes Rejzohn Wright, Shemar Jean-Charles, and undrafted rookie Rico Payton. With one roster spot open, the Saints may be considering signing a free agent who tried out at minicamp or making a bigger move. The recent restructuring of Taysom Hill’s contract adds to the speculation that the team might have additional plans in store before the start of training camp on July 24. Fans should stay tuned for updates on how the Saints will address this final roster spot.