Saints surprise fans and media alike with three decisions on NFL's roster cutdown day before 2024 season

The New Orleans Saints are making plenty of moves on Tuesday. After radio silence on Monday, the black and gold have had to make all of their cuts/waives officially on the same day. With so many moves to be made, some were going to surprise folks.

New Orleans made a handful of moves that were noteworthy, but a few stood out above the rest when it comes to expectations.

Saints waive rookie OL Kyle Hergel

Hergel was a backup that many media members felt had clearly earned a role on the team. He had potential to be the backup option at guard and/or center. Hergel played better than most of the other options inside for the Saints during the preseason.

Even so, he was on the chopping block.

Saints cut punter Lou Hedley

This one should not have been surprising, but after a lack of urgency in recent years, it is for the Saints. Matt Hayball clearly outplayed Hedley during the preseason.

Even as a rookie, Hayball showed off an impressive leg and was able to place teams inside their own twenty-yard line more efficiently than Hedley. Hedley showed signs of improvement in the second half of 2023, but he did not have an impressive preseason outing.

This was a close battle that got overshadowed by the kicker battle, which was won by Blake Grupe. Charlie Smyth was waived, but New Orleans hopes to get him back to their practice squad.

Saints waive CB Shemar Jean-Charles

Jean-Charles was a player that was consistent throughout camp. With Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo out with injury at times, there were reps when he lined up with the first-team defense.

The staff mentioned his play on special teams at times as well. With this decision, it feels like undrafted rookie cornerback Rico Payton will get a roster spot on the 53-man instead of Jean-Charles. Regardless, this move surprised a lot of people around the Saints.

Related: Saints Roster Cuts Tracker 2024: New Orleans picks their kicker and punter for the upcoming season