The Saints have released safety and standout special-teams contributor J.T. Gray in a surprise move, with the decision coming on Monday as Gray had sat out much of training camp and the preseason with a hamstring injury. It wasn’t immediately clear if that injury factored into the release.
Gray, 29, has been in New Orleans since signing with the team as an undrafted rookie in 2018. He played college football at Mississippi State, where from 2015 to 2017 he totaled an interception, four sacks and 18 tackles for loss for the Bulldogs. Across seven seasons with the Saints, Gray logged only 153 defensive snaps at safety, but his value came on special teams.
Over the years, Gray emerged as one of the league’s premier special-teams players. He earned first-team All-Pro honors on special teams in 2021 and received second-team honors in 2019 and 2024. His release opens a spot on the active roster, which the Saints are expected to fill with either a practice squad elevation or a waiver-wire acquisition ahead of their season opener at home against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday.
Impact and context: Gray’s absence will shake up the Saints’ core of special-teams players. His leadership and production on kick and punt coverage and returns have been a stabilizing force for the unit, so the team will need to identify a quick path to replace that production, whether from a promoted practice squad player or a new addition brought in as the regular season begins.
Looking ahead: The Saints’ next roster moves will likely come in short order as they finalize plans for Week 1. Replacing Gray’s special-teams acumen will be a priority as New Orleans aims to maintain its edge on kick and punt coverage and return scenarios.
Bottom line: Gray’s seven-year run with the Saints showcased exceptional value on special teams and established a high standard for consistency. While the move is a setback for him personally, it also signals continued roster optimization by New Orleans as it prepares for the start of the regular season with a fresh roster in place.
Additional note: The decision underscores the Saints’ willingness to adapt on the fly and lean on a combination of veterans and young depth to maintain a strong special-teams unit as they chase another competitive season.