NFL careers are fleeting, but it’s still surprising to see one cut short so soon. Especially when it’s a decision the player made for themselves. On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints listed defensive end Jabari Zuniga on the reserve/retired list, meaning he’s made the choice to step away from the game — whether for his own health, with other career opportunities in mind, or some other reason is unclear. He’ll turn 26 in August.

A former Florida Gator, Zuniga was picked by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft, but by Sept. 2022 he had been waived by New York and signed with the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. The Saints signed him to their practice squad that October and brought him back to compete for a roster spot in 2023.

He leaves the NFL having appeared in a dozen games while earning a respectable $2 million through his various pro contracts, per Over The Cap’s records, and we’ll wish him well. The Saints may decide to sign another defensive end to carry through training camp, but right now this is the group under contract for 2023:

READ MORE……

Saints barely hold onto their grip on the NFC South title after Week 10 loss

Let’s start with the good news. The New Orleans Saints are still on top of the NFC South, and they’re going into their bye week with a great opportunity to rest up some injured players (including several key starters). Their weak division keeps them in the playoff picture.

But barely, and here’s the bad news: the Saints are not in a strong position. They’ll come out of the bye week and face the Atlanta Falcons who are also on bye next Sunday. They’re still a flawed football team that is underperforming its expectations, and it’s worth asking if the coaching staff has what it takes to help the players meet their potential.

Losing to another playoff hopeful like the Minnesota Vikings is a gut punch. Even if the Saints reach the postseason, they haven’t shown they have what it takes to compete with their peers.

That’s a problem for another day. For now, we’ll thank the Arizona Cardinals for breaking Falcons fans’ hearts on a last-second field goal, and take a quick look at the NFC South standings after Week 10: