4 player connections between Cardinals, Saints in preseason opener

The Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints kick off their preseason schedules with a matchup against one another on Saturday. They play at State Farm Stadium at 5 p.m. Arizona time ( here is how to watch, stream or listen to it ).

The two teams have a few familiar faces, as the Cardinals have two players who used to play for the Saints, while New Orleans has a pair of players who used to play for the Cardinals.

Who are those players?

Cardinals P Blake Gillikin

Gillikin signed with the Saints as an undrafted rookie in 2020 and was their punter in 2021-2022.

Cardinals RB Tony Jones

Jones also signed with the Saints out of college as a rookie free agent in 2020. He played parts of four seasons for them, appearing in 18 games (six starts) and rushing for 233 yards and two touchdowns.

Saints DT Kendal Vickers

Vickers spent a few weeks on the Cardinals’ practice squad late last season.

Saints S Tyrann Mathieu

It’s been a long time, but the Cardinals drafted Mathieu in 2013 in the third round. He played five seasons for them and has one Pro Bowl and All-Pro season.

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