Former Sacramento State linebacker Todd Davis was released from the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad Sept. 4. He was originally signed by the team to a three-year contract June 23.

Davis was replaced by second-year quarterback Ryan Griffin, who was waived Sept. 2 after the team re-signed receiver Robert Meachem to its roster. This was thought to be a strategic roster move by the Saints.

After the quarterback cleared waivers, Davis was dropped and the Saints added the Tulane product. Last season the quarterback spent time on their practice squad before being added to their roster to protect him from other teams seeking him on waivers.

During his three-year tenure with the Hornets, Davis accumulated 351 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, 9.5 sacks, three interceptions and six pass breakups. He went undrafted in the NFL Draft in May, but was offered an opportunity to showcase his skills.

“I think I just came out everyday with a chip on my shoulder,” Davis said. “ It took a lot to get here, coming from a small school, so I know I would definitely have to outwork all my competition.”

In four preseason games, Davis finished with 15 tackles, 10 of them solo; two special teams stops; and one fumble recovery on punt coverage.

However, it was not enough to keep him around.

“Coming from Sac State, which was a wonderful school and a wonderful program, [and] a smaller school as far as football, having 5,000 people out here at practice was mind blowing to me,” Davis said. “Everybody wants your autograph and I’m like, ‘you want my autograph?’ I’m a rookie, I haven’t played yet. They know your name. It’s a tremendous experience.”

The preseason experience was not all bad. During his time with the Saints, Davis recalled how the Saints were a tight-knit group and how much support they provided.

“I got a lot of playing time during the last preseason game,” Davis said. “Just to do well and play well and to get love and respect from the older guys was really a big thing for me. I really appreciated all the congrats and high-fives.”

He even experienced something most people could never dream of: rubbing elbows with Drew Brees.

“To be honest, Drew is like one of the most down-to-earth people you could ever meet,” Davis said. “He didn’t treat me like a rookie. He was a really great guy.”