Cam Akers is the biggest name of cuts announced by New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis. In addition to Akers, the team released 13 other players in what Head Coach Kellen Moore called their “first wave” of cuts ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline.
The Cam Akers Release Show Depth At RB
Akers comes with a polished resume. This is a player who rushed for 786 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2022 for the Los Angeles Rams’ championship team. At just 26 years old, he is searching for a new home after failing to carve out a role in New Orleans’ crowded backfield. The Saints’ running back room became one of the most competitive position battles on the roster, and despite his pedigree, Akers couldn’t separate himself from the pack.
Other Saints Roster Moves
While the Akers cut grabbed headlines, the Saints made several other personnel decisions that will shape their 2025 roster:
- James Burnip (Punter) – The young punter’s release suggests the Saints are satisfied with their current special teams arrangements. Burnip showed promise but couldn’t unseat the incumbent starter.
- Roderick Daniels Jr. (Wide Receiver) – A player who generated some buzz during camp, Daniels Jr. fell victim to the Saints’ deep receiving corps.
- Moochie Dixon (Wide Receiver) – Another casualty of positional depth, Dixon’s unique name won’t be gracing Saints jerseys this season as the team prioritized other wideouts.
- Jasheen Davis (Defensive End) – The pass rusher couldn’t crack a defensive line rotation that appears set for the regular season.
- Omari Thomas (Defensive End) – The third defensive end released, Thomas joins Davis and Martin as victims of a numbers game.
- Jonathan Mendoza (Tackle) – An undrafted free agent from Yale and Louisville, Mendoza’s versatility wasn’t enough to secure a roster spot in a competitive offensive line room.
- Mike Panasiuk (Guard) – Added just weeks ago, Panasiuk’s brief Saints tenure ended as quickly as it began, showing the volatile nature of roster spots.
- Others: Tyreem Powell (Linebacker), Jeremiah Martin (Defensive End), Josiah Ezirim (Tackle), Seth Green (Tight End), Michael Jacobson (Tight End), and Kyle Hergel (Guard)
What Is Next For the Roster?
These cuts represent just the beginning of what will be a frenzied 24-hour period for NFL teams. The Saints still have more work to do before reaching the mandatory 53-man roster limit, and additional moves are expected before Tuesday’s deadline.
For players like Akers, this isn’t necessarily the end of the road. His talent level suggests he’ll likely find another opportunity quickly, whether on a practice squad or with a team dealing with injuries. The NFL is indeed a crazy place, but it’s also one where second chances come frequently for players with proven ability.
