The New Orleans Saints have officially parted ways with veteran wide receiver Keith Kirkwood, according to multiple reports. Kirkwood, who has spent multiple stints with the franchise, was waived as the team continues to evaluate its roster ahead of the offseason.
Kirkwood, 29, originally signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2018 after playing college football at Temple. He made an early impact in his rookie season, appearing in eight games and recording 13 receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns. His solid performance helped him carve out a role in the Saints’ offense, but injuries limited his availability in the following seasons.
After missing the entire 2019 season due to injury, Kirkwood was waived by New Orleans and later joined the Carolina Panthers in 2020, reuniting with his former Saints offensive coordinator, Joe Brady. However, injuries again plagued his tenure, and he saw minimal action over two seasons with Carolina, playing in just four games. In 2022, he returned to New Orleans, primarily serving as a depth piece at wide receiver and contributing on special teams.
Despite his familiarity with the system, Kirkwood struggled to secure a consistent role in the Saints’ offense, especially with the emergence of younger receivers such as Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. The Saints also bolstered their receiving corps through the draft and free agency, making it difficult for Kirkwood to earn significant playing time.
The decision to release Kirkwood comes as New Orleans looks to reshape its roster ahead of free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. The team has been focused on improving its offensive production after a lackluster 2024 campaign. The Saints’ coaching staff may now prioritize younger or more dynamic pass-catching options moving forward.
While Kirkwood’s time in New Orleans has come to an end, his experience and familiarity with multiple offensive systems could make him an attractive option for other teams in need of veteran depth. Given his size (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) and experience on special teams, he may still find opportunities elsewhere in the NFL.
For now, the Saints will move forward without Kirkwood as they continue to refine their roster in preparation for the upcoming season.
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