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Saints Re-Sign Austin and Wesley to Practice Squad: Key Depth Boost in Kellen Moore's "New Era" Rebuild

New Orleans, Louisiana – 12/05/2025

The New Orleans Saints continue to send a clear message about the direction of their franchise under new head coach Kellen Moore, announcing the re-signing of WR Kevin Austin and OL Barry Wesley to the practice squad. While not headline-grabbing additions, league analysts agree these moves carry strategic weight within the Saints’ ambitious rebuilding phase.

Kevin Austin returns at the perfect time, as the Saints look to bolster their receiving depth with more speed and big-play potential. Austin has long been viewed as a raw but explosive talent, one who has lacked the right offensive environment to fully unlock his skill set. Moore believes his system — built on tempo, spacing, and controlled creativity — can do exactly that. If implemented correctly, Austin could evolve into a situational weapon capable of stretching defenses and opening up the field when New Orleans needs it most.

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On the offensive line, Barry Wesley brings the stability the Saints have been craving all season. With his ability to play multiple spots, durability, and relentless practice habits, Wesley becomes the ideal addition to a practice squad that Moore expects to rotate heavily. His presence strengthens the depth of an offensive line that must keep pace with the fast, adaptable structure of Moore’s revamped attack.

During Friday’s announcement, Moore shared a message that energized the locker room and sparked curiosity among fans:

“A team doesn’t transform overnight, but you start to see the difference in the first bricks you lay… and players like Kevin and Barry are signs that what we’re building in New Orleans will be bigger than anyone imagines.”

That statement wasn’t just about two returning players — it was a window into Moore’s philosophy. Lay the foundation before you build the dream. Moore isn’t chasing flashy signings or overnight miracles; he’s identifying the right personalities, the right attitudes, and the right fits for a system that’s being rebuilt from the inside out.

As the Saints continue defining a new identity after several inconsistent seasons, adding Austin and Wesley to the practice squad represents more than filling roster spots. It signals commitment — to depth, to development, and to a long-term vision rooted in discipline and belief.

A new era is beginning in New Orleans — quiet, intentional, and determined. And moves like today’s show exactly how the Saints plan to build it: brick by brick, with purpose and conviction.

Zelensky Accuses Russia of Supplying Suicide Drones to Iran
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of supplying Iran with Shahed-style suicide drones, which are reportedly being used by Tehran to target U.S. bases and neighboring countries in the Middle East. However, Zelensky has not provided concrete evidence to support these claims. In an interview released by CNN on March 14, Zelensky stated, "I have 100% accurate information that Iran is using this type of UAV to target U.S. bases and neighboring countries in the Middle East." The Shahed drones, originally produced by Russia after receiving a license from Iran, have been implicated in attacks on U.S. and allied military installations in the region. Zelensky further claimed that Russia is also providing intelligence support to Iran's attacks. "Russia's position is that if Washington and Europe are helping Kyiv with intelligence, Moscow can similarly support Tehran," Zelensky added. Despite these bold assertions, the Ukrainian president did not present any direct evidence to substantiate his claims. Neither Russia nor Iran has officially commented on these allegations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on March 14 that Iran is "militarily cooperating" with both Russia and China, though he did not provide further details. Earlier reports from The Washington Post cited sources indicating that Russia had provided Iran with intelligence on the location of U.S. military assets in the Middle East. This alleged support is believed to have helped Tehran successfully target a range of high-value targets in the region, including radar systems valued between $500 million to over a billion dollars. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated on March 10 that Russia has denied sharing intelligence with Iran, affirming that Washington "can trust" Moscow's statements. Shahed drones, developed by Iran, come in various models and have been a key part of Iran's military capabilities. Iran reportedly supplied several Shahed-136 drones to Russia, granting Moscow a license to produce them under the name Geran-2. The Geran-2, which weighs about 200 kg and carries a 50 kg warhead, has a range of 2,500 km and is primarily used by Russian forces in long-range strikes against Ukraine. However, it can also be used for tactical strikes near the frontlines if needed. Images of a Geran-2 UAV in flight over Kyiv in December 2025 have highlighted its growing role in the conflict. In late February 2026, after the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran, Tehran responded by targeting Israel's territory, U.S. bases in the Middle East, and vital energy infrastructure across the Gulf region with both missiles and suicide drones. According to CBS, the early phase of the conflict saw an Iranian drone strike on a U.S. military operations center in Kuwait, resulting in six soldiers' deaths. The specific type of drone used remains unclear. Additionally, a radar system in Qatar, worth approximately $1.1 billion, was damaged in an attack believed to have been carried out by an Iranian suicide drone. The growing use of these drones by Iran, particularly with alleged Russian support, has further escalated tensions in the Middle East, adding to the already volatile situation between the U.S., Iran, and their respective allies.