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The Saints are trying out Tracy Walker III and Roderic Teamer

The Saints are trying out Tracy Walker III and Roderic Teamer

The New Orleans Saints recently called up several free agents for tryouts on Thursday, all of whom happened to be at the safety position.

Veteran starter Will Harris suffered a hamstring injury Monday night against Kansas City. An injury that head coach Dennis Allen believes could land him on injured reserve for at least four weeks. The Saints have some potential answers internally in safeties Johnathan Abram and Jordan Howden, but with the opportunity to secure a starting spot presented themselves during camp, neither of them were able to secure a spot at the top of the depth chart.

Given the amount of uncertainty and loss of depth at the position, it makes a lot of sense for the team to explore its options. Here is a list and brief description of all the free agents the team invited to practice on Thursday:

July 30, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Alex Cook (27) conducts a drill during training camp at the Carolina Panthers Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Cook, 6-foot-3 and 196 pounds, was signed to the New York Giants’ practice squad after going undrafted in 2023. Later that year, he was quickly elevated to the Carolina Panthers’ active roster and totaled 11 tackles in 10 games with the team.

Relative sports value N/A

August 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints guard Roderic Teamer (30) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Teamer, 5-foot-10 and 187 pounds, is a familiar face who spent the entire summer with the Saints. Teamer was one of the more impactful rookies early in training camp, but couldn’t find his way onto the roster after a shortened day.

Relative sports value: 3.66

August 13, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety AJ Thomas (21) practices before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Standing 6’3″ tall and weighing 220 pounds, Thomas began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2022 and spent just over a year with the team. He then made stops with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL, where he led the league in interceptions during the 2024 season and was immediately signed by the New England Patriots at the start of this season.

Relative sports value: n/a

Oct. 30, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker III (21) celebrates after sacking Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) (not pictured) in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Walker is 1.90 meters tall and weighs 100 kilograms and was drafted by the Detroit Lions as a third-round pick in 2028. Walker spent six years with the team and played in 43 games, totaling 398 tackles, 23 pass deflections and three interceptions. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers earlier this year before being released by the team in September.

Relative sports value: 6.89