METAIRIE, La. (BRPROUD) — Former LSU Tiger Jontre Kirklin is one of 16 players who signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad Wednesday, Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis announced.
Kirklin was waived by the Saints on Tuesday, the day NFL teams were required to cut their rosters to 53 players. The former Lutcher High standout signed with the Saints on Aug. 6. Kirklin played in all three of New Orleans’ preseason games. He had 9 receptions for 127 yards.
Kirklin played with the Tigers from 2017-2021, winning a national championship during the 2019 season. Kirklin played on both sides of the ball during his time at LSU, also playing quarterback in the 2022 Texas Bowl.
The players who were signed to the Saints practice squad include:
- S Johnathan Abram
- WR Lynn Bowden
- LB Ryan Connelly
- WR Shaq Davis
- OL Mark Evans II
- DL Jack Heflin
- DB Anthony Johnson
- WR Jontre Kirklin
- G Tommy Kraemer
- DE Niko Lalos
- RB Ellis Merriweather
- T Storm Norton
- LB Anfernee Orji
- DE Kyle Phillips
- LB Jaylon Smith
- LB Ty Summers
Former LSU Tiger Darrel Williams was not signed to the practice squad after the Saints terminated his contract Tuesday. Williams played for LSU from 2014-2017. He ranks No. 21 in LSU history in rushing yards with 1,651 yards. He also amassed 19 touchdowns with the Tigers during his four years with the program. Williams added 38 receptions for 462 yards.
Williams injured his groin during training camp not long after he was signed to the team on Aug. 15.
Two players who the Saints released Tuesday were signed by other NFL teams. Offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers, according to the NFL wire. Tight end Lucas Krull signed to the Denver Broncos practice squad, according to reports.
