The Saints made a pair of roster moves ahead of Week 14, elevating wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. and kicker Charlie Smyth to the active roster.
For Austin Jr., it’s another step in a winding football journey that’s taken him from South Bend to the pros, with a championship detour along the way. The 25-year-old wideout went undrafted out of Notre Dame in 2022, but his raw athleticism and big-play potential kept him on the radar.
He initially signed with the Jaguars, making it through most of training camp before landing on their practice squad. Jacksonville kept him around on a reserve/futures deal into 2023, but he was waived before the season kicked off.
Rather than fade into the background, Austin Jr. took his talents to the UFL, signing with the Birmingham Stallions in early 2024. That move paid off in a big way. Not only did he find the field again, but he helped lead the Stallions to a UFL Championship - a significant milestone that reignited his NFL hopes.
His college tape always hinted at upside. At Notre Dame, Austin Jr. played in 26 games with 13 starts, flashing big-play ability with nearly 1,000 receiving yards on just 54 catches - that’s an eye-popping 18.4 yards per grab. He found the end zone seven times and even logged a carry, showing a bit of versatility.
Now with the Saints, Austin Jr. has seen action in three games this season, though he’s yet to record a stat. That could change in Week 14, depending on how New Orleans chooses to deploy him. With his size, speed, and championship experience, he brings intriguing depth to the receiving corps - especially as the Saints navigate injuries and look for a spark down the stretch.
As for Smyth, the elevation gives New Orleans another option in the kicking game, though details on his potential usage remain to be seen.
Both moves reflect the Saints’ willingness to tap into developmental pipelines - whether it’s from the practice squad or alternative leagues - as they continue to shape their roster for the playoff push.