You’d think a team already struggling to run and now without Kendre Miller would want to stock up on running backs. But the New Orleans Saints just cut one to make room for a new tight end: Zaire Mitchell-Paden, who they claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. Veteran backup Velus Jones Jr. was waived to make room, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be back on the practice squad and available for Sunday’s game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. More on that in a minute.
First, what’s the deal with Mitchell-Paden? The former undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame College (not that one; he played college football at a small school in Ohio which closed last year) has spent time with the Ravens and Cleveland Browns to start his pro career, and there’s a lot to like here. He has NFL size at a listed 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds. He was very productive against his level of competition before transferring to Florida Atlantic for the 2021 season. Mitchell-Paden appeared in all six games with the Ravens this season, primarily working as a blocker.
But don’t expect Mitchell-Paden to dress out this Sunday. He’ll need a week or more to pick up the playbook. As for Jones? This isn’t the first time he’s been signed and waived, but it’s a little unusual to happen in the span of a week. Still, we’re guessing he’ll be re-signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers and then be elevated for Sunday’s game with the Buccaneers. He’s practiced all week and is likely part of the game plan. That the Saints have had him bounce between the roster and practice squad so often suggests they aren’t worried about another team poaching him.