In an unexpected turn for the New Orleans Saints, the team has parted ways with their 2024 fifth-round draft selection, wide receiver Bub Means. This decision comes as a surprise, given that Means was widely anticipated to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. However, the Saints appear to be re-evaluating their wide receiver depth chart, opting for a different composition as they finalize their squad. This move highlights the competitive nature of NFL roster building and the difficult choices teams face in optimizing their lineup.
Bub Means, at 25 years old, had a collegiate career that spanned Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, and ultimately, Pittsburgh, where he experienced a breakthrough season in 2023. During his time at Pittsburgh, he recorded impressive stats with 41 receptions, 721 receiving yards, and six touchdowns, showcasing his potential. Known for his exceptional speed, particularly for a player of his build, Means clocked a 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 212 pounds. These physical attributes made him a promising prospect for the Saints.
Despite his inherent talent, Means has faced challenges with maintaining his health. His rookie season in 2024 was cut short by a high-ankle sprain in November, an injury that undoubtedly impacted his development and on-field presence. Compounding these issues, a subsequent preseason injury kept him sidelined for the entirety of the 2025 season, further hindering his ability to establish himself within the team. These setbacks underscore the critical role of durability in a demanding sport like professional football.
During the recent summer, Means demonstrated an initial burst of strong performance, creating buzz around his potential. However, as the preseason games commenced, he struggled to sustain this momentum. Reports from training camp indicated a decline in his target share during team drills, as other receivers on the depth chart began to outshine him. This dip in performance likely played a significant role in the Saints' decision to waive him, despite his earlier promise and draft pedigree.
The possibility remains that Bub Means could rejoin the Saints' organization on the practice squad, provided he clears waivers. Given his rare combination of size and speed, it would not be astonishing if another NFL franchise quickly moved to claim him. Teams are always on the lookout for athletes with unique physical capabilities, and Means certainly possesses those. The coming days will reveal how the Saints and other teams navigate their final roster adjustments, including decisions regarding injured reserve and practice squad formations.
The New Orleans Saints' choice to waive Bub Means, a 2024 fifth-round draft pick, marks a significant and unexpected development in their roster construction. While Means displayed considerable talent and athletic prowess during his college career and brief moments with the Saints, persistent injury concerns and an inability to maintain consistent performance during crucial preseason evaluations ultimately led to his departure. This strategic decision by the Saints underscores their commitment to optimizing their receiving corps, even if it means parting ways with a promising, yet unproven, draft selection.