Saints cut special-teams ace J.T. Gray; Alvin Kamara posts 'Wtf' on X
Three-time All-Pro Gray ends seven-season run in New Orleans; he was owed $2.6 million in final contract year
The New Orleans Saints released special-teams standout J.T. Gray on Monday, a move that drew a terse three-letter reaction from running back Alvin Kamara on X.
Saints beat writer Nick Underhill reported the roster move Monday evening. Moments after the news broke, Kamara posted "Wtf" on X and did not add further comment.
Gray spent all seven of his NFL seasons with the Saints and established himself as one of the league's premier special-teamers. He earned All-Pro honors three times for his work on special teams, including a first-team selection in 2021. Over his career in New Orleans, Gray recorded 103 tackles in 98 games and played 84.3 percent of the team's special-teams snaps last season. He also saw occasional defensive time, totaling 153 snaps at safety.
The 29-year-old was owed $2.6 million on the final year of his contract, according to the team's roster reporting. The move removes a long-tenured core special-teamer from a Saints unit that has relied on Gray's downfield work and tackling on kick coverage.
New Orleans is in its first season under head coach Kellen Moore, who arrived after serving as offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. General manager Mickey Loomis remains in place. The roster decision comes as the Saints finalize personnel for the regular season.
Gray's release ends a multi-year run in New Orleans in which he carved out a niche strictly as a special-teams ace while providing occasional depth in the secondary. The team and Gray had not released detailed public statements about the decision as of Monday night.
Alvin Kamara, entering his eighth season with the Saints, has been one of the team's most visible veterans. His brief post on X was among the earliest public reactions to the move by a current Saints player.
Gray joins the ranks of veteran players who become free agents following roster cuts and may draw interest from teams seeking special-teams help. The Saints' decision removes a consistent presence from their coverage units as they head into the regular-season roster period under new leadership.