Saints’ Preseason Finale Reveals 5 Big Winners Ahead of Crucial 53-Man Roster Cuts

With NFL teams required to reduce their rosters from 90 players to 53, the game represented a final opportunity for several Saints players fighting for roster spots to make their case.

New Orleans entered the contest looking to respond after being shut out 34-0 by the Los Angeles Rams in their previous preseason outing.

Instead, the Saints delivered one of their sharpest performances of the preseason, taking a 17-9 lead into halftime and giving Moore plenty to consider before the final roster decisions.

"These are challenging games, a lot of decisions have to be made after this game," Moore said. "Everyone knows that. But for our guys to lock in and just play with really good effort, just proud of them."

Here are five major takeaways from the Saints' final preseason test.

1. Spencer Rattler Makes His Case at Quarterback

If the battle for the Saints' No. 2 quarterback job was still undecided, Spencer Rattler did everything possible to strengthen his claim.

Rattler completed 8 of 10 passes for 79 yards, while also rushing twice for nine yards and a touchdown.

More importantly, he guided New Orleans to two touchdown drives during the opening half.

The young quarterback faced pressure throughout his appearance, including one play that resulted in a sack, but he remained composed and avoided turning those situations into turnovers.

His ability to contribute with his legs provided another positive element. Rattler's rushing touchdown demonstrated the mobility that can give the Saints an additional dimension when passing lanes disappear.

2. Miller and Estime Strengthen Saints' Backfield

The Saints will have to navigate without Alvin Kamara while the franchise's all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns recovers from a knee injury.

Friday's performance offered encouragement that New Orleans has capable depth behind starting running back Travis Etienne.

Kendre Miller carried nine times for 42 yards in the first half, while Audric Estime exploded for 46 yards on just four attempts.

Estime's biggest contribution came on a 33-yard run that set up Rattler's rushing touchdown.

Together, the pair helped New Orleans produce 119 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries before halftime.

The Saints ultimately finished with 169 rushing yards on 32 attempts, with Miller and Estime showing the ability to attack between the tackles while also creating plays outside.

3. Barion Brown Adds Another Dimension

Barion Brown had already shown the Saints what he could contribute as a receiver.

Against Dallas, however, the rookie offered a glimpse of another weapon in his game.

Brown carried twice on jet-sweep plays during the first half and gained 19 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown.

His first carry went for 12 yards, while his touchdown showcased his ability to read his blocks, cut inside and finish with power.

The Saints have used similar concepts during practice, but Brown's execution against Dallas provided a particularly encouraging result.

His versatility could ultimately make him more valuable when the Saints finalize their roster.

4. Saints Clean Up Their Penalty Problem

Discipline was another encouraging development.

New Orleans committed 12 penalties during its previous preseason game against the Rams, contributing to an extremely frustrating outing.

That number dropped to just four against Dallas.

Two of those penalties came during the opening offensive drive, meaning the Saints settled down considerably as the game progressed.

For a coaching staff evaluating players ahead of roster cuts, the improvement represents an important step in the right direction.

5. Daniel Carlson Makes Immediate Impact

The Saints' kicking competition could have taken a decisive turn.

Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown had previously left enough uncertainty for New Orleans to bring in Daniel Carlson, a former two-time All-Pro, just days before the Cowboys game.

Carlson had only one practice and one preseason game to make his case.

He delivered.

The veteran kicker converted field goals from 38 and 53 yards, with the longer attempt ultimately providing the winning points. He also successfully converted an extra point.

Smyth and Brown each made their extra-point attempts, but both had missed field-goal attempts during the Saints' previous two preseason games.

Carlson's flawless outing does not officially settle the competition, but the timing of his arrival and immediate performance provide a strong indication of why the Saints were willing to make the change.

The final decision will come when New Orleans submits its 53-man roster.

Saints Enter Roster Cutdown With Momentum

The preseason finale did not provide every answer, but it gave Moore and the Saints' coaching staff plenty of positive evidence to consider.

Rattler strengthened his case at quarterback, Miller and Estime demonstrated that the backfield has depth, Brown showed his versatility, the team dramatically reduced its penalty count and Carlson delivered under pressure.

After the disappointment of the loss to Los Angeles, New Orleans responded with a much more convincing performance.

Now comes the difficult part.

The Saints must turn those preseason observations into final roster decisions, with Sunday's cutdown deadline set to determine which players will begin the 2026 campaign in New Orleans.