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By John Sigler | Saintswire

The New Orleans Saints formally reported the signing of offensive lineman James Hurst on the NFL’s transaction wire, with the release of wide receiver Tim White as a corresponding move on the 90-man offseason roster.

Hurst, a veteran backup and occasional starter for the Baltimore Ravens at both left tackle and left guard, agreed to terms with the Saints on a one-year contract earlier this week. He has a good shot at making the team, and could be the backup for left tackle Terron Armstead the Saints have lacked. If nothing else, he has greater NFL experience than his competition.

As for White: he first joined the Saints practice squad last December following a high-profile workout including Antonio Brown, the embattled ex-All-Pro still trying to find his way back into the NFL. White was re-signed on a reserve/future contract after the 2019 season, but undrafted rookie additions pushed him off the roster. The Saints still have a dozen receivers under contract, so his chances of making the squad were slim. ...

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By John Sigler | Saintswire

It took a while, but former New Orleans Saints cornerback Eli Apple cashed in on a one-year contract worth $3 million, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Rapoport adds that this agreement includes a $750,000 signing bonus. Remember, the NFL’s cutoff date for 2021 compensatory pick qualifiers has passed, so the Saints will not recoup assets now that Apple has joined another team.

Apple initially agreed to terms on a $6 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders early in free agency, but those contract talks fell apart before pens could be put to paper.

Acquired by the Saints in a 2018 trade with the New York Giants, Apple experienced an up-and-down 27 games with the Saints, including the postseason. He intercepted just two passes in black and gold while logging more than 1,500 defensive snaps, drawing 21 penalties (five of them offsetting or declined) along the way. ...

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By John Sigler | Saints Wire

The New Orleans Saints offensive line, one of the league’s deepest and most talented groups, got a little stronger on Wednesday when the team agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former Baltimore Ravens starter James Hurst. While the Saints have not yet made the signing official, which will require a corresponding roster move, it’s likely just a formality and fans should expect to see Hurst in the mix once training camp rolls around. Here are seven facts to know about the newest addition to New Orleans:

1. Hurst is a Tar Heels alum

Named All-ACC in 2011 (second-team), 2012 and 2013 (first-team). Hurst tied a school record with 48 starts at left tackle.

2. Hurst wore a lot of hats in Baltimore

While left tackle is his natural position (16 starts in the NFL), Hurst started more games at left guard (19) for the Ravens while also playing right tackle and guard, and tight end in jumbo sets.

3. Hurst's 2020 season will start with a suspension

Sidelined the first four weeks due to a performance-enhancing substances policy violation, Hurst can join the Saints before their Week 5 Chargers game.

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By John Sigler | Saints Wire

The New Orleans Saints revealed the specific times and dates for their 2020 preseason schedule, which will see them fly out for away games at the brand-new LoFi Stadium (visiting the Los Angeles Rams) and the historic Heinz Field (for a nationally-broadcast game with the Pittsburgh Steelers). After that two-game road series, the Saints will return to New Orleans to host the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins in subsequent weeks.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2020 Saints preseason:

Week 1: at Los Angeles Rams, Friday, Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. CT

This year’s preseason opener won’t kick off until 9 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 14, so maybe keep a pot of coffee ready. While Drew Brees probably won’t take the field in this one — he waited until Week 3 to make his preseason debut last year — there will still be plenty to watch out for, primarily the progress made by backup quarterbacks Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston. And the Rams’ shining new stadium should certainly catch the eye.

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By Jaylon Thompson | 247 Sports

The New Orleans Saints are heading into this season looking to advance further in the NFL playoffs after early exits in recent years. The NFC South has gotten stronger with the addition of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski in the division. The former Patriots joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason.

Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen realizes the talent in the division. The Saints will play three potent offenses in the Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and the Carolina Panthers twice this season.

In a recent interview with Saints senior writer John DeShazier, Allen discussed how the Saints' defense is focused on fine-tuning details of their overall scheme.

“What we really said during the offseason was, 'How are we going to do these things better? And how are we going to teach these things better?' And that's really where our focus has been. It's been about really fine-tuning all the little details to everything that we're doing defensively, from verbiage, terminology to techniques and fundamentals.”

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