Grayson among last of Saints preseason cuts

NEW ORLEANS — Veteran running back Travaris Cadet, quarterback Garrett Grayson and linebacker Adam Bighill are among New Orleans Saints players cut before the NFL deadline to reduce rosters to the regular season maximum of 53.

Grayson, a Heritage High grad, is a 2015 third-round draft choice who’s been unable to establish himself as Drew Brees’ primary backup. Bighill, a former CFL player, was a leading preseason tackler, making 11 tackles in New Orleans’ preseason finale against Baltimore.

Cadet has spent most his five NFL seasons with New Orleans, but third-round draft choice Alvin Kamara has assumed his role as versatile runner and receiver out of the backfield.

Defensive back and 2015 fifth-round draft pick Damian Swann also has been cut along with and linebacker Michael Mauti, who was trying to comeback from surgery to address ulcerative colitis.

Some of those cut could be candidates for the club’s 10-player practice squad.

Defensive back Arthur Maulet was cut despite standing out among undrafted rookies trying to make the club. He could be a practice squad candidate after providing solid pass coverage in preseason games, as well as forcing and recovering a fumble against Baltimore.

In all, the Saints have trimmed more than 30 players from the active roster, moving some — such as veteran receiver Corey Fuller and linebacker Bryan Braman — to injured reserve. Receiver Willie Snead is on a separate reserve list because of his suspension for driving while intoxicated.

Others cut included offensive lineman Khalif Barnes, a University of Washington product, and quarterback Ryan Nassib.