We knew this was coming, but it's still tough to see guys' time with the New Orleans Saints come to an end. They spend years training and competing for this opportunity, and now it comes to an end. Maybe they'll find another chance with a different team. Maybe not. Either way, it's the end of the line in New Orleans.

But it was necessary. The Saints drafted eight rookies, signed ten more as free agents after the draft, traded for one veteran edge rusher (Tyree Wilson) and signed another one (Anfernee Jennings). They were over the 90-man offseason roster limit. Now, after releasing three players, they're back underneath it.

On Monday, the Saints released running back Evan Hull (per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo) as well as wide receivers Elijah Cooks and Samori Toure (per KPRC2 Houston's Aaron Wilson). Cooks was a late addition to the practice squad in December and didn't appear in a game, but he was brought back on a reserve/future deal after the season. Toure signed after tryouts in November but didn't play until the regular season finale when Chris Olave was a late scratch due to a medical emergency; he caught one pass for 3 yards. Hull was another midseason pickup after injuries sidelined Kendre Miller and Devin Neal, but he was outshined by his fellow new arrival Audric Estime. Good luck to those guys in what comes next.

As for the Saints? New Orleans now has 88 players on the roster, with two vacancies left to fill. They could bring back an in-house free agent like Cameron Jordan or add more new players from the open market, or consider a trade with another team. However they choose to move, they've got options.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: New Orleans Saints release three players after busy 2026 NFL Draft