| Welcome to the Saints Insider newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 31. The Saints made headlines on NFL cutdown day, but it was because of a trade not the release of one of their most popular players. The Saints dealt loquacious defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the cutdown deadline Tuesday morning. Gardner-Johnson was one of the team’s most popular players, a four-year veteran who had developed a cult following because of his passionate play and infectious enthusiasm on the field. Luke Johnson has the story on the surprising move, and what it means for the Saints defense going forward. I weighed in on the trade and explained some of the reasons why the Saints felt the need to move one of their best defensive players. My column. Meanwhile, Patrick Magee recapped the most memorable moments of Gardner-Johnson’s three-year career in New Orleans, including his infamous trolling of Tom Brady. The Saints also made their final cuts Tuesday in preparation for the regular season. Beat writer Luke Johnson has the story on all the moves the Saints made to reach the league-mandated 53-man limit. Columnist Rod Walker gives his informed take on the roster cuts, and why he felt “there weren’t any shockers” in the list of moves. Who’s the tallest, shortest, oldest, youngest and most highly decorated recruit on the Saints roster? Columnist Rod Walker has the answers in his annual “By the numbers” column, analyzing the Saints' final roster. And finally, before all the news broke Tuesday, I wrote a column on this year's Saints team and how it's finally starting to form an identity under first-year coach Dennis Allen. That's it for today. We'll have more coverage on Wednesday as the Saints continue to make roster moves in preparation for their regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 11. Until next time, Jeff Duncan | 
