The NFL can be a ruthless business — and this week, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown learned that the hard way.
St. Brown, who signed with the New Orleans Saints just nine days ago, was officially released by the team in a roster move that stunned fans and sparked questions about his fit and role in the Saints' offense.
After initially being brought in to compete for depth at the wide receiver position, St. Brown reportedly struggled to make an impression during early training camp sessions. According to team sources, the Saints had hoped the 6’5” veteran could add size and experience to a relatively young WR corps. However, with strong performances from undrafted rookies and emerging players like A.T. Perry and Shaquan Davis, the team chose to move in a different direction.
“We appreciate what EQ brought to camp, but we’re looking to maximize reps for younger guys who are flashing right now,” one staffer said anonymously.
St. Brown, 27, spent his first three seasons with the Green Bay Packers after being drafted in the sixth round in 2018. He later had brief stints with the Chicago Bears and caught on with the Saints in July 2025, hoping to revive his career and secure a spot on the 53-man roster.
The quick release underscores just how cutthroat training camp can be, especially for veteran players competing on non-guaranteed deals. With limited snaps and evaluation time, every practice rep matters — and sometimes, it’s less about failure and more about the team’s evolving priorities.
Despite the setback, St. Brown still has the physical tools and experience to draw interest from other teams in need of receiver depth. League insiders suggest he could be a candidate for mid-preseason workouts, particularly if injuries pile up at the position league-wide.
“It’s not the end of the road,” one NFC scout said. “Guys like EQ, who’ve been in playoff systems and know how to contribute on special teams, usually get another look.”
Still, being cut after just 9 days is a tough pill to swallow — and a reminder that in the NFL, opportunity can vanish as fast as it appears.