New Orleans Saints make bold move by releasing Blake Grupe for Cade York
Tuesday proved to be anything but uneventful for the New Orleans Saints as the franchise made a significant shift in their kicking game. In a surprising turn of events, the team parted ways with veteran kicker Blake Grupe, opting instead to bring in Cade York, a former fourth-round draft pick. This move not only catches fans off guard but signals a desire for a new direction in the kicking department.
Roster Overhaul
The decision to replace Grupe was just one aspect of a broader roster shake-up. The Saints took the opportunity to revamp their lineup by signing four new players while also making cuts to three others. Additionally, they activated one player from the Injured Reserve, highlighting their intent to reshape the squad as they gear up for the upcoming challenges.
The Saints announced a series of transactions, stating, “New Orleans Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager announced today that the club has signed RB Evan Hull from the practice squad to the active roster, activated T Barry Wesley off Injured Reserve, signed K Cade York, RB Ian Wheeler, and WR Samori Toure to the practice squad, waived K Blake Grupe, and terminated the practice squad contracts of WR Jha’Quan Jackson and LB Eku Leota.”
Player Movements
Among the new faces, Evan Hull stands out. The running back, who originally signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent out of Northwestern in 2023, joined the Saints’ practice squad during Week Ten. Over his brief career, Hull has seen action in two games with the Colts, recording a carry for a single yard along with a six-yard reception in the 2023 season opener. In the most recent preseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he showcased his potential with 11 carries for 33 yards and two receptions for eight yards.
Future Implications
These roster changes signal a commitment from the Saints to not only bolster their kicking game but also to enhance their overall depth as they navigate the challenges of the season. As the team adjusts to new personnel, fans will be eagerly watching to see how these decisions unfold on the field in the coming weeks.
