Roster

Saints kicker Garrett Hartley made one field goal and hit all five extra points Sunday against Carolina in Week 17. His lone field goal came from 53 yards out.

Notable Saints players let go on Saturday include: TE Tyler Lorenzen, WR Montez Billings, LB Dwight Roberson, DT Dexter Larimore, QB Sean Canfield, WR Andy Tanner, CB Terrail Lambert, LB Nate Bussey, WR Jarred Fayson, TE Michael Higgins, TE Tory Humphrey, S Chris Reis, CB Trumaine McBride, CB Quincy Butler, LB Clint Ingram, RB Chris Taylor and S Pierson Prioleau.

Saints defensive back Roman Harper finished with a season-low two tackles during New Orleans' 34-31 victory at Dallas in Week 16. A week after racking up 11 tackles against Tampa Bay, Harper was held to his lowest total since Oct. 9, 2011, at Carolina (two).

The Saints signed wide receiver Saalim Hakim Wednesday.

The Rams placed CB Marquis Johnson on injured reserve Tuesday with a abdominal injury. Johnson sustained the injury in last week's loss to the Seahawks.

Saints LB Ramon Humber recorded his first sack of the season on Sunday night against the Lions. He finished the contest with three solo tackles.

Though it was just a June minicamp, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported that Pierre Thomas ran with the first-team offense along with Darren Sproles while Mark Ingram worked with the second-string. Over the last two years Ingram received more carries than any running back on the roster. The paper speculates that the "hot hand" will pick up the most work at running back from week to week.

Linebacker Scott Fujita signed a one-day contract with the Saints and will retire.

The Saints have added tight end Ben Watson. The veteran played 83 percent of the snaps with the Browns last year and had a solid season with 49 catches for 501 yards. He's expected to serve as the No. 2 tight end behind Jimmy Graham.

Saints defensive lineman Cameron Jordan totaled three tackles (two solo) and one sack Week 15 vs. Tampa Bay. He also had a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said the Saints will use Will Smith as an outside linebacker this season.

Saints safety Isa Abdul-Quddus totaled seven tackles (five solo) and one interception Week 15 vs. Tampa Bay. He has an interception in two straight games.

The Saints placed two players on injured reserve on Saturday. New Orleans defensive back Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) and tackle Charles Brown (knee) have been placed on IR. Their seasons are over. The Browns promoted guard Ricky Henry and safety Jerico Nelson from the practice squad.

Saints running back Travaris Cadet saw a few passes thrown his way in Week 11 against the Raiders. He was targeted three times, making two catches for 25 yards in the 38-17 win. Cadet also returned three kickoffs for 123 yards in the victory.

New Orleans placed running back Pierre Thomas on injured reserve Saturday, reports the team's official site. The Saints signed cornerback A.J. Davis to the active roster. Thomas had already been ruled out for the season finale against Carolina with a knee injury.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Saints running back Darren Sproles is in line for a rebound season in 2013. The report says Sproles fell back down to earth last year after an other-worldly 2011 performance -- in part because of increased attention from opposing defenses, in part because the Saints struggled to give enough touches to all of their talented tailbacks and in part because of a hand injury that sidelined Sproles for three games. Getting Sproles more involved this year will certainly rank as one of Coach Sean Payton's top priorities as he tries to revive his dominant offense this season. "With Darren, he's got a unique skill set," Payton said. "He's real sudden. I still see him as a valuable runner as well as a receiver."

The Saints placed LB Will Herring on injured reserve on Tuesday. Herring will not be available for the playoffs now after suffering an undisclosed injury in the Week 17 win over the Panthers.

The Chargers announced Tuesday they signed veteran cornerback Chris Carr. “Chris is an experienced player,” head coach Norv Turner said, per the team's official website. “I was fortunate to be with him for a couple years in Oakland. He’s bounced around the league a little bit but has played at a high level. He’s been a starter in a couple of places so he brings experience. He can play in the slot and on the outside, so he’s a good addition for us.”

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was a standout again in Week 17 against Carolina. Brees passed for 396 yards, giving him 5,177 this season. That makes him the first player to eclipse 5,000 yards three times. His four touchdown passes gave him 43 in 2012, and he's the first player with 40 touchdown passes in consecutive seasons. His final stats against the Panthers were 29 of 43 passing for 396 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

Saints defensive lineman Tom Johnson had two tackles and a sack during New Orleans' 34-31 overtime win at Dallas in Week 16. Johnson registered one of two take-downs the Saints managed on quarterback Tony Romo for only his second sack of the season.

Saints pass rusher Victor Butler tore his ACL at practice on Tuesday and is expected to miss the 2013 season according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Butler was expected to start opposite Will Smith.

Knee - Expected to miss the 2013 season

The Saints went after a need by taking ex-LSU defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (6-foot-5, 318 pounds) with their first pick of 2012 draft in the third round (No. 89 overall). Hicks went to Regina to play football after leaving LSU. He's expected to provide depth at defensive tackle.

Notable Saints players let go on Saturday include: TE Tyler Lorenzen, WR Montez Billings, LB Dwight Roberson, DT Dexter Larimore, QB Sean Canfield, WR Andy Tanner, CB Terrail Lambert, LB Nate Bussey, WR Jarred Fayson, TE Michael Higgins, TE Tory Humphrey, S Chris Reis, CB Trumaine McBride, CB Quincy Butler, LB Clint Ingram, RB Chris Taylor and S Pierson Prioleau.

The Saints signed safety Jim Leonard to a one-year deal.

The Jets waived undrafted rookie cornerback Ryan Steed Wednesday.

Amid all of the bounty penalties, free agent defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley agreed to a five-year contract with the Saints. This could fill the hole at defensive tackle with Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin being unrestricted free agents.

Saints receiver Lance Moore had another solid game indoors Sunday against Carolina in Week 17. Moore had four catches for 121 yards on six targets. He now has a touchdown or 90 receiving yards in seven of his past nine games indoors. Moore finished the season with 65 catches for 1,041 yards and six touchdowns. This was his first 1,000-yard campaign in eight years.

New Orleans linebacker David Hawthorne (hamstring) is inactive for the Saints for the Week 9 Monday night game against the Eagles. Hawthorne was hoping to return Monday after missing the Week 8 game as well but he'll have to wait at least one more week.

The Saints released linebacker Barrett Ruud on Monday and re-signed defensive back Elbert Mack. Mack was released last week.

Saints running back Jed Collins hauled in his second touchdown reception of the season in Week 12 against the 49ers. Collins was on the receiving end of a 2-yard strike from Drew Brees in the third quarter. He finished with two catches for 9 yards in the 31-21 defeat.

ESPN reports Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma took a $3.7 million pay cut to stay with the team.

The following Broncos were cut on Friday: DB Rafael Bush, CB Drayton Florence, LB Jerry Franklin, DT Ben Garland, WR Jason Hill, DB Duke Ihenacho, TE Cornelius Ingram, RB Jeremiah Johnson, LB Mike Mohamed, WR Greg Orton, WR Gerell Robinson, CB Syd'Quan Thompson and QB Adam Weber.

The Cowboys continued trimming their roster Friday in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: defensive linemen Clifton Geathers, Rob Callaway and Ben Bass; linebackers Baraka Atkins, Orie Lemon and Adrian Hamilton; wide receivers Saalim Hakim and Tim Benford; quarterback Rudy Carpenter; tight end Andrew Szczerba; defensive backs Eddie Whitley, Lionel Smith, Teddy Williams and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah; and running back Shaun Chapas.

New Orleans defensive back Jabari Greer left during the first half of Week 16 at Dallas with a concussion and was unable to return. Greer, who had two interceptions against Tampa Bay last Sunday, tallied just one tackle before the early departure.

Though it was just a June minicamp, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported that Pierre Thomas ran with the first-team offense along with Darren Sproles while Mark Ingram worked with the second-string. Over the last two years Ingram received more carries than any running back on the roster. The paper speculates that the "hot hand" will pick up the most work at running back from week to week.

The Bucs released wide receiver Preston Parker Thursday.

The Saints promoted tight end Mike Higgins from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

Saints linebacker Scott Shanle left the Week 1 loss against Washington with an unspecified leg injury. He did not return and finished with four tackles, one for a loss.

The Saints announced Monday the signing of quarterback Seneca Wallace. He's expected to help back up Drew Brees in 2013. Wallace was reportedly going to sign with the Raiders but the deal never materialized.

In addition to Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro, the Saints drafted Georgia defensive tackle Johnathan Jenkins, Oklahoma receiver Kenny Stills and Tarleton State outside linebacker Rufus Johnson.

The Jets continued tweaking their roster Saturday and released defensive lineman Marcus Dixon, according to the New York Post. The team also claimed three players off waivers: defensive lineman Isaako Aaitui; wide receiver Clyde Gates; and tight end Konrad Reuland.

The Eagles continued trimming their roster in preparation for the regular season Friday and released the following players: defensive backs Phillip Thomas, Joselio Hanson and Oshiomogho Atogwe; tight ends Emil Igwenagu, Chase Ford and Brett Brackett; linebackers Ryan Rau, Adrian Moten and Keenan Clayton; wide receivers Mardy Gilyard, Marvin McNutt and Chad Hall; and defensive linemen Ollie Ogbu, Landon Cohen, Monte Taylor and Frank Trotter.

The Saints placed cornerback Corey White on injured reserve Wednesday with a knee injury.

The Saints terminated the contract of veteran tight end David Thomas.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham returned to practice Tuesday following offseason wrist surgery, and he talked about his health and his outlook for this season. “Everything is going well," Graham said. "I’ve been in rehab and I’ve been getting stronger. Right now I’m almost 100 percent. Going into camp, I’ll be 100 percent. It just feels good. It just feels good to be healthy finally and back playing like myself.” Graham last year was a disappointment that he wants to put behind him. “I’m a hungry player, and this is probably the hungriest I’ve ever been to kind of right the wrongs of last year, prove what this team can do and to maybe hush up some of the naysayers," he said. "For me, it’s all work and doing as much as I can to be the best player I can.” Quarterback Drew Brees is glad his top target is back on the field. “He was banged up quite a bit last year in his defense," Brees said. "He’s had an offseason now to recover and be on the mend. He feels a lot better. He’s juiced up and ready to go. It’s great to see. He’s like a kid out there a lot of times, running around and telling me to throw him the ball and he’ll go get it for me, which is great to hear from a big tight end.”

With the 15th pick in the NFL draft the Saints selected safety Kenny Vaccaro from Texas. Vaccaro has been a fixture in the Longhorns secondary for three years, totaling 245 tackles and five interceptions. He'll join a safety corps that includes Malcolm Jenkins and Roman Harper.

The Saints waived WR Chris Givens because of a shoulder injury and re-signed CB Cord Parks.

New Orleans linebacker Chris Chamberlain will miss the 2012 season after injuring his ACL during Friday's preseason game against the Jaguars. Saints coach Joe Vitt told reporters Saturday that he won't be able to fill Chamberlain's void right away. “It’s a work in progress. We will step back and take a look at everything,” said Vitt.

Saints defensive back Patrick Robinson matched a season high with eight tackles, including seven solo stops, during New Orleans' 34-31 overtime win at Dallas in Week 16. Robinson stayed active for the game despite being listed as questionable with a groin injury.

Saints pass rusher Victor Butler tore his ACL at practice on Tuesday and is expected to miss the 2013 season according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Butler was expected to start opposite Will Smith. Now, Martez Wilson will likely replace him.

New Orleans TE John Gilmore recorded a touchdown on his lone catch of the game during the Saints' 42-20 rout of Minnesota in Week 15. Gilmore hauled in a 2-yard pass from QB Drew Brees on his only target as he finished with one reception for the second outing in a row.

The Saints have signed Luke McCown to a one-year deal.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune says rookie receiver Kenny Stills hasn't stood out through the spring workouts with the Saints.

The Cardinals waived DB Korey Lindsey on Tuesday. Lindsey, a rookie, had been selected in the seventh round of the draft this summer by the Bengals before being waived by Cincinnati.

Saints have come to terms with defensive lineman Junior Galette to a three-year deal, according to the team's official website. Galette racked up a career-high five sacks in 12 games (one start) last season for the Saints.

In addition to Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro, the Saints drafted Georgia defensive tackle Johnathan Jenkins, Oklahoma receiver Kenny Stills and Tarleton State outside linebacker Rufus Johnson.

The Saints placed two players on injured reserve on Saturday. New Orleans defensive back Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) and tackle Charles Brown (knee) have been placed on IR. Their seasons are over. The Browns promoted guard Ricky Henry and safety Jerico Nelson from the practice squad.

After missing his rookie season after foot surgery, Saints receiver Nick Toon looked at ease on the field, hauling in passes on mid- and deep routes according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Foot - Probable for start of training camp

The Packers announced a number of roster cuts Friday, as they continue to try to trime their roster down to 53 men in time for the start of the season. Among the players let go were defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, who is suspended for the first eight weeks of the season for his part in the Saints' bounty scandal. The team also released wide receiver Andy Brewer, safety Micah Pellerin, defensive back Dion Turner and tackle Herb Taylor.

Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton tallied five tackles -- all solo stops -- during New Orleans' 34-31 victory over Dallas in Week 16. Lofton was unable to produce a robust tackle total after matching a season low with three tackles last week, but still raised his season total to 118 stops.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune says it's a "safe bet" receiver Joe Morgan will play as the No. 3 receiver for the Saints this season, filling the role previously held by Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem.

The Saints cut the following players on Friday: DE Braylon Broughton, LB Kadarron Anderson, LB Ezra Butler, WR Greg Camarillo, QB Sean Canfield, DE Alex Daniels, TE Michael Higgins, CB Nick Hixson, DB Jerico Nelson, TE Derek Schouman, WR Andy Tanner and LB Lawrence Wilson.

The Saints and defensive end Kenyon Coleman have agreed to a deal.

Saints receiver Marques Colston had a tremendous game to end the season in Week 17 against Carolina on Sunday. Colston had five catches for 52 yards and two touchdowns in eight targets. He finished the season with 83 catches for 1,154 yards and 10 touchdowns. This was the second time in his career he reached double digits in touchdowns, and he had 1,000 receiving yards for the sixth time, including four years in a row.

The Jets continued trimming their roster in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: wide receivers Eron Riley and Joe Collins; linebackers Brett Roy and Marcus Dowtin; defensive back LeQuan Lewis; tight end Tarren Lloyd; defensive backs D'Anton Lynn and Julian Posey; and defensive linemen Jay Richardson and Martin Tevaseu.

The agent for kick returner Courtney Roby announced his client has re-signed with the Saints. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed. Roby was a special teams contributor for the team.

Defensive end Greg Romeus was cut by the Saints.

The Saints have signed cornerback Keenan Lewis to a five-year deal with $10.5 million guaranteed. Lewis is a New Orleans native.