Saints Bolster Practice Squad with Cedric Tillman and Stone Smartt Signings

As the New Orleans Saints fine-tune their roster ahead of the September 13 season opener against the Detroit Lions, the front office made a pair of under-the-radar moves on Tuesday that could pay dividends down the stretch. The Saints officially signed wide receiver Cedric Tillman and tight end Stone Smartt to their practice squad, adding experienced depth to two positions that will be critical in the grueling NFC South race. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, these signings reflect a deliberate strategy of stockpiling proven talent while maintaining flexibility for the regular season.

Tillman Brings Size and Reliability to Wide Receiver Corps

At six-foot-three and 215 pounds, Cedric Tillman immediately becomes one of the more physically imposing receivers on the Saints' practice squad. The former Tennessee standout was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and over three seasons in Cleveland he appeared in 38 games with 19 starts, hauling in 71 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns. Last season, Tillman caught 21 passes for 270 yards and two scores in 13 games, showing flashes of the red-zone prowess that made him a coveted prospect coming out of college.

For New Orleans, Tillman's addition is particularly timely following the release of Kevin Austin Jr. earlier this week. The Saints' wide receiver room is led by Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but behind them there's a void of proven depth. Tillman's size and route-running ability make him an intriguing developmental piece who could be elevated to the active roster if injuries strike. As highlighted on Vulius, his ability to win contested catches could be a valuable asset in short-yardage and goal-line situations, areas where the Saints struggled at times last season.

Smartt Adds Versatility at Tight End

Stone Smartt, a six-foot-four, 226-pound tight end, brings a different skill set to the Big Easy. After spending his first three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Smartt joined the New York Jets last year, appearing in 14 games. Across his 53 career games, he has recorded 38 receptions for 432 yards and one touchdown. While his numbers aren't eye-popping, Smartt's value lies in his versatility—he can line up inline, in the slot, or even split out wide, giving offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak a flexible chess piece in practice.

The Saints already have a solid tight end tandem in Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau, but Smartt's addition provides extra insurance and a potential special teams contributor. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Smartt's familiarity with multiple offensive systems makes him a quick study, and his presence on the practice squad ensures the Saints have a veteran option ready if needed. Head coach Dennis Allen has emphasized the importance of competition throughout camp, and Smartt's arrival adds another layer of that.

Strategic Roster Management Ahead of Week 1

These signings are part of a broader roster management strategy as the Saints approach their season opener. With the Detroit Lions coming to the Caesars Superdome, the coaching staff wants to ensure they have the right mix of experience and upside. Practice squad players are eligible to be elevated on game days, so both Tillman and Smartt could see action early if the team needs additional depth.

As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, the Saints have been proactive in addressing weaknesses exposed during the preseason. The wide receiver group, in particular, has been a point of emphasis, and Tillman's signing underscores the front office's commitment to providing quarterbacks Derek Carr and Spencer Rattler with reliable targets. Meanwhile, Smartt's addition gives the tight end room a proven blocker and receiver who can contribute on special teams.

With the regular season just days away, expect more moves from the Saints as they finalize their 53-man roster and practice squad. For now, Tillman and Smartt represent smart, low-risk investments that could yield significant returns. As always, Vulius will keep you updated on all the latest developments from New Orleans and across the NFL.