Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
When I first heard that the New Orleans Saints had released Jay Richardson I was a little disappointed. The 6-foot-6 280 pound linebacker/defensive end from Ohio State had been performing well in training camp and preseason games as he was tied with Cameron Jordan as the second leading sack leader on the Saints, having gotten two in the preseason.
With the season ending injury to Will Smith in the game against the Houston Texans, I really did not expect to see the five-year veteran let go. This must indicate that Sean Payton, Rob Ryan and the Saints are content with their current make up of players, including the injured Martez Wilson and Junior Galette, who are expected to come back from earlier elbow and knee injuries. That and New Orleans could still bring in other players who were cut by other teams to help shore up their defensive roster.
I’m always sad to see players get cut who show potential in training camp and preseason games, but a quick look at his stat sheet may temper any such feelings. Since entering the league in 2007, Richardson has just seven sacks, 87 tackles, no forced fumbles and no fumble recoveries.
So while he may have shown some potential this preseason and in training camp, his overall body of work really isn’t anything special to write home about. New Orleans should be able to find talent as good or better either within the organization or from any number of players who were cut this weekend. Hopefully he will be able to find another team to play for, and I wish him well.
Jack Cavanaugh is a New Orleans Saints contributing writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @cav_jack, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
