Saints Waive WR Kevin Austin Jr. and OT Barry Wesley in Roster Moves

The New Orleans Saints announced a pair of roster changes on Tuesday, waiving wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. and offensive tackle Barry Wesley. These moves, which also included practice squad adjustments, indicate the club is looking to adjust its depth chart as the season progresses.

Per Ross Jackson of the Locked On Network via X, #Saints announced the signing of CB Beanie Bishop to the practice squad. Team also terminated the practice squad contract of RB Ian Wheeler and waived WR Kevin Austin Jr. and T Barry Wesley.

Wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. was waived after a brief appearance on the active roster this season. The former Notre Dame standout had been a familiar face in the Saints organization, having spent time with the team in 2024 as well.

For the 2025 season, Austin appeared in three games for the Saints this season, receiving one target but not recording a catch. In the 2024 Season, he saw more action last year, playing in eight games and logging 11 receptions for 151 yards.

Austin's journey has included time in the UFL with the Birmingham Stallions, where his speed and playmaking ability earned him another opportunity in New Orleans. However, the club has opted to go in a different direction at the wide receiver position.

Offensive tackle Barry Wesley's recent tenure with the Saints ends shortly after his activation from injured reserve. Wesley spent most of the 2025 season on injured reserve. He was activated last week but was inactive for the team's most recent game against the Dolphins.

Wesley has never appeared in a regular-season NFL game for the Saints. Like Austin, Wesley also spent time with the Birmingham Stallions, indicating the Saints' ongoing effort to scout and integrate talent from the UFL.

In conjunction with waiving Austin and Wesley, the Saints made concurrent adjustments to their practice squad.

The team officially signed defensive back Beanie Bishop Jr. to the practice squad. Bishop, a former All-Big 12 first-team selection, will provide immediate depth in the secondary. Running back Ian Wheeler was released from the practice squad.

Both Austin and Wesley are now subject to the NFL waiver wire. If they go unclaimed by another team, they would become free agents and could be eligible to sign back to the Saints' practice squad.

Since the Saints are officially eliminated from playoff contention, expect them to make more roster moves as the season starts to wrap up.