Report: Saints Expected to Add Veteran Linebacker

Saints add accomplished defender prior to Week 9, per report.

Saints Expected to Add Veteran Linebacker - Sports Illustrated New Orleans Saints News, Analysis and More

NBC affiliate KPRC Houston reported on Thursday morning that the New Orleans Saints are signing LB Cory Littleton to their practice squad. The news was confirmed by NFL Insider Aaron Wilson.

Earlier on Thursday, the Saints lost LB Jaylon Smith off their practice squad when he was signed to the active roster by the Las Vegas Raiders. New Orleans responded quickly by adding Littleton, who turns 30 later this month.

Littleton, an eight-year veteran, appeared in six games for the Houston Texans this year as a reserve. He was released by Houston on October 28. Littleton played 104 special teams snaps but just 17 on defense for Houston.

An undrafted rookie out of Washington, Littleton began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams. Over four years with the Rams he had six interceptions, 8.5 sacks, and 14 tackles for loss while earning a Pro Bowl spot in 2018.

The Las Vegas Raiders signed Littleton as a free agent in 2020. He played two seasons there, recording a half sack and six tackles for loss. He’d appear in 15 contests for the Carolina Panthers last season, where he had a half sack and one stop for loss.

Jaylon Smith was on the Saints active roster for just one game this season, spending the rest of the weeks on the practice squad. Littleton may be expected to add that same kind of veteran insurance. The Saints typically employ just two linebackers, with those snaps going to Demario Davis and Pete Werner. Zack Baun gets limited playing time as a third linebacker.

A fifth ranked New Orleans defense plays the Chicago Bears this Sunday. The 4-4 Saints will attempt to win their second straight game.