The New Orleans Saints have placed cornerback Paulson Adebo on injured reserve following surgery to repair a broken femur he sustained during Thursday night’s game against the Denver Broncos. Adebo’s recovery is expected to take 4-5 months, coinciding with his impending free agency in March. This injury could mark the end of his time with the Saints, as his contract year has been cut short. Adebo’s season concludes with 47 tackles, 10 stops, 7 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and 9 penalties.
In a corresponding roster move, the Saints have signed free-agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The team had reportedly been interested in Valdes-Scantling for some time, dating back to his tenure with the Green Bay Packers. Released by the Kansas City Chiefs after a slow start to the season (just 2 catches for 26 yards on 9 targets), Valdes-Scantling brings a fresh opportunity to a depleted Saints receiving corps, particularly after wide receiver Rashid Shaheed suffered a season-ending torn meniscus.
Valdes-Scantling, a 6’4” speedster and two-time Super Bowl champion, chose New Orleans over other suitors, including the Washington Commanders, drawn by the significant number of targets now available in the Saints offense. His addition is seen as a timely boost to the team’s offensive depth.
Additionally, the Saints have re-signed safety Roderic Teamer and cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles to the practice squad. Both players spent the previous offseason with New Orleans and have been brought back to help ease the blow to the injury-plagued secondary. They are also expected to contribute on special teams.
To make room for the new additions, the Saints have released safety Johnathan Abram and offensive guard Chris Reed. Abram, who had been elevated from the practice squad for three consecutive weeks due to injuries in the secondary, contributed 10 tackles, 3 stops, 2 pressures, and 1 interception during that span. Despite his release, a potential return for Abram down the line remains possible amid the team’s injury woes.
