The New Orleans Saints brought on an interesting name for a workout in the week leading up to the season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Saints hosted a receivers group highlighted by former first-round pick John Ross.
Ross is a little infamous these days as the former ninth overall pick in 2017 by the Cincinnati Bengals who retired in recent years, only to re-emerge with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023. While he hasn’t played in a regular season game since 2021 with the New York Giants, he just spent the summer with the Philadelphia Eagles, catching four passes and taking two kicks back for a total of 68 yards on special teams during the preseason.
Giving Ross a look is a smooth move by the Saints. The team hopes for a second-year bump from A.T. Perry, a sixth-round pick who has emerged over the summer. Otherwise, it’s the Chris Olave show at wideout while the offense hinges on Derek Carr exceeding lukewarm expectations after a summer where his rookie backup received most of the hype.
More important here, though, might be Ross’ ability on special teams as a weapon. That famous 4.22-second time in the 40-yard dash keeps him lethal there without the time investment that comes with learning a new offense.
If nothing else, the Saints now have a player on speed dial who can fill out a depth chart if necessary as the season progresses.
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