The New Orleans Saints have revealed their initial 53-man roster for the 2023 season. 

There are surprises, and there are 'duh' decisions across the board for New Orleans. That being said, three choices by the Saints coaching staff and front office stand out regarding the first official roster. 

These are the three biggest surprises from the Saints' initial 53-man roster for the 2023 season.

Special Teams Pandemonium

The Saints made headlines on Tuesday when they traded veteran kicker Wil Lutz. Accordingly, rookie Blake Grupe will be their starting kicker. 

Grupe has been awesome during the preseason and practices, but moving on from a long-time starter at kicker is always a bit surprising. Lutz had been a staple for the Saints in the last handful of seasons, but they are giving the reigns to a young player that they have a lot of confidence in already. He deserves the opportunity.

Taylor Time

New Orleans released veteran slot CB Bradley Roby early on Tuesday. The move came as a shock because many expected he and Alontae Taylor to get meaningful playing time.

Instead, Roby was on the chopping block, and Taylor will most likely be the starter at that spot. Ugo Amadi backs him up. The move puts a younger player in the spotlight, as well as frees up some cap space for the Saints. 

Irish Goodbye

Jaylon Smith, former Notre Dame Irish linebacker in college, had impressed in his short stint with the team. Many projected him as the LB3 on the roster to start the year. Apparently, the Saints did not quite agree. 

They cut ties with him, keeping depth linebackers Nephi Sewell and D'Marco Jackson over the former second-round pick. They are younger options, but Smith had seemingly made a solid impression. The Saints will try to bring him back on the practice squad, but for now, he is not with the team. 

Overall, there weren't a ton of surprises for the Saints on Tuesday. These three are the most impactful ones, though.

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