The New Orleans Saints roster is official. Over the next couple of weeks, the 53-man group can see some changes, but their initial group is set. 

The Saints had plenty of decisions to make, and some of their choices were surprising.

Check out the entire initial 2023 53-man roster for the Saints below.

Quarterback (3)

IN: Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, Jake Haener
OUT: N/A

The skinny: The Saints were always going to carry all three QBs, and I don't think that will frustrate them. They like Haener a lot in the long-term, but Winston will be the game day backup for Carr to start the year.

Running back (3)

IN: Alvin Kamara*, Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller, Kirk Merritt

OUT: Ellis Merriweather

The skinny: New Orleans chose to carry four running backs, but Kamara won't count against the roster number while suspended. Kamara, Williams, and Miller will be the top three, and Merritt provides special teams value. He is a depth veteran.

Wide receiver (6)

IN: Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, A.T. Perry, Keith Kirkwood, Tre'Quan Smith

OUT: Kawaan Baker, Jontre Kirklin, Lynn Bowden Jr., Shaq Davis

The skinny: The Saints chose to carry six wide receivers. Smith may be on injured reserve to start the season, so keep an eye on that. Shaq Davis impressed a ton in recent weeks during the preseason, but it was not enough. Perry is a rookie that the offense has used consistently so far. Kirkwood has a strong connection with QB Derek Carr already. The others were locks.

Tight end (5)

IN: Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill, Foster Moreau, Jimmy Graham, Adam Prentice (FB/TE),
OUT: Jesse James, Lucas Krull, J.P. Holtz

The skinny: The tight end group got two new veteran additions in Moreau and Graham. Both will have unique roles for the offense. For now, Johnson and Hill both are set in stone alongside them, and the Saints carry their one fullback in Prentice.

Offensive line (9)

IN: Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Andrus Peat, Ryan Ramcyzk, Trevor Penning, James Hurst, Nick Saldiveri, Landon Young, Max Garcia

OUT: Calvin Throckmorton, Lewis Kidd, Mark Evans II, Tommy Kraemer, Chuck Filiaga, Storm Norton

The skinny: This group was fairly cut and dry for the Saints. They've had their starting OL all off-season as well as a couple of key backups. They added Saldiveri to the mix in the draft, and Young has developed when healthy. Hurst gives them depth everywhere on the OL, and they love versatility. He may start over Peat to begin the season. Most likely, at least one of the players cut will be back on the practice squad for New Orleans, too.

Defensive line (9)

IN: Cameron Jordan, Carl Granderson, Isaiah Foskey, Bryan Bresee, Khalen Saunders, Nathan Shepherd, Malcolm Roach, Payton Turner, Tano Kpassagnon
OUT: Prince Emili, Jack Heflin, Niko Lalos, Jerron Cage, Kyle Phillips

The skinny: The defensive line is similar to offensive when it comes to surprises. There weren't any – really. A mix of young talent and vets will make up the unit. Shepherd and Saunders will made it after nice FA deals. Foskey and Bresee are rookies that will fight for playing time. Expect some impact from Bresee this year on the inside. He's impressed. Turner has improved this offseason as well. The others are veteran depth guys that are necessary.

Linebacker (5)

IN: Demario Davis, Pete Werner, D'Marco Jackson, Nephi Sewell, Zack Baun
OUT: Ty Summers, Ryan Connelly, Nick Anderson, Anfernee Orji, Jaylon Smith

The skinny: The Saints normally carry four or five linebackers, and this roster build makes it worth it again. Smith was solid in his limited time with the team, but he doesn't get the initial nod. They could bring him back on the practice squad, though. Jackson was a standout performer in minicamp that possesses pass rush upside. He can make an impact on special teams, too. Sewell and Baun are special teams pieces, but Sewell could see the field a bit at LB if injuries occur. He made splash plays during the preseason.

Cornerback (5)

IN: Marshon Lattimore, Alontae Taylor, Paulson Adebo, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Isaac Yiadom

OUT: Troy Pride Jr., Anthony Johnson, Adrian Frye, Bradley Roby,

The skinny: No surprises here. The Saints keep their veteran CB room in place (outside of Roby) and add Lonnie Johnson Jr. to the unit. It's a strong, proven piece of the defense. Yiadom grabs a spot as a veteran, too. They like his game. The Saints clearly valued experience when it came to backups this year. Taylor will start in the slot with Lattimore and Adebo on the outside. 

Safety (5)

IN: Tyrann Mathieu, Marcus Maye, Jordan Howden, J.T. Gray, Ugo Amadi
OUT: Smoke Monday, Johnathan Abram

The skinny: The first two were locks for the roster. Past that, Gray was always a strong candidate as a special teams ace for the Saints. Amadi will be the backup in the slot behind Taylor. He made plays during the preseason and meshed well. Howden was a playmaker in minicamp as a rookie and could see time on the field on defense in his first season. They may keep one of the two players they cut on the practice squad.

Special Teams (3)

IN: Blake Grupe (K), Lou Hedley (P), Zach Wood (LS)

OUT: Wil Lutz, Blake Gillikin

The skinny: The Saints don't choose the veteran route here and keep Grupe/Hedley as their booters. Grupe was impressive all offseason, but Lutz also performed really well. They choose the younger option who they have confidence in. Hedley is another intriguing choice. Although, Gillikin struggled in the preseason after a lot of inconsistency last season. 

Starting Wednesday, the Saints can create a practice squad of up to 16 players. The Saints will open the regular season Sunday, September 10 against the Tennessee Titans at 12:00 p.m. CT at the Caesars Superdome.

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