New Orleans

Saints

Great news for the Saints tight end! Moreau’s ailment was discovered during a routine physical following a visit to New Orleans in March as part of his free agency. The team then extended him a three-year contract just six weeks after his diagnosis. The fact that he was declared in remission after just three months of treatment likely means the disease was discovered extremely early, meaning he should have no issues to start the NFL season. That sentiment seems to be backed up by the Saints’ medical staff and coaches after Moreau participated fully in organized team activities earlier this month.

Miller has yet to practice while recovering from a January torn meniscus. There was hope Miller would be cleared for limited reps this month but the Saints have continued to move him slowly. Miller’s timetable has him on track to be cleared for the start of the Saints’ preseason.

“Maybe doing more as a receiver ... I think that’s stuff that hasn’t been explored a ton with me here,” Hill said, while noting that running routes and catching balls was initially a “foreign thing.” We’d believe anything you told us about Taysom’s role next year. He remains a top-tier late-round best ball tight end because of his upside to help in multiple areas.

Hill lined up as a pass catcher and played quarterback during 7-on-7 drills during the team’s first day of minicamp. It’s hardly a shock considering Hill -- who is tight end eligible in many fantasy formats -- had 96 rushes, nine catches, and 13 completions as a utility player in the New Orleans offense last year. He was vexing for fantasy managers but was a week winner when the team used him as a goal line bulldozer. It doesn’t appear his role will change with Derek Carr on the roster. Hill remains the best late-round tight end option thanks to the high-value touches he gets in the Saints offense, however unpredictable.

The former Bengals first-round pick has bounced around as a journeyman the last two years with the Giants and Cardinals, also spending time with the Raiders practice squad. The Saints don’t have a backup center beyond UDFA rookie Alex Pihlstrom.

We would forgive you for having a little skepticism after how the last few years have unfolded. Thomas did set foot on the practice field today but mostly worked off to the side, though he did get some individual time with the quarterbacks. Dennis Allen and Thomas are now both on record saying that Thomas will be ready for training camp. He had some “hardware” removed from his foot in early May.

He “simulated some routes” but, more interestingly, all three quarterbacks worked with him alone on some shorter routes. Thomas’ health remains a question mark for training camp, though Dennis Allen did tell reporters he expects Thomas to be “good to go” for camp last month. This appearance would seem to be a good sign for that.

The Saints also signed fullback Jake Bargas. James joined the Browns last offseason but suffered a bicep injury that ended his year after just two games. He did not record a catch in his pair of appearances for Cleveland. He will work for a depth option behind Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau during training camp.

Gruden, per Vic Tatur of The Athletic, “still holds out hope of coaching again” after he was forced to resign from his job with the Raiders. This appears to be a trial balloon to the idea of Gruden coming back after offensive e-mails surfaced during the NFL’s unrelated investigation of workplace harassment with the Washington Commanders. Gruden would probably have better odds trying to come back as an underling, but it remains unlikely that an NFL team will actually hire him.

There was hope Moreau would be ready for OTAs after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma roughly two months ago, but those hopes have since turned to reality. Moreau was on the field with the Saints during Tuesday’s OTAs, and did not appear to be limited in any capacity. Originally expected to miss the 2023 season following his diagnosis, Moreau unexpectedly signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Saints earlier this month, and revealed that he will attempt to play for the Saints after receiving positive news on diagnosis. Moreau will likely need to earn playing time with Juwan Johnson still on the roster, but his contract and familiarity with Derek Carr are enough to suggest he’ll eventually work his way into the offense.