Deuce McAllister’s return to the Saints roster will be a brief.
With the team needing his roster spot, McAllister is set to announce his retirement from the NFL Tuesday afternoon, according to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
“I was pretty well content and ready to retire before all this came up,” McAllister said Tuesday. Saints coach Sean Payton mentioned this week McAllister was 28 pounds over his playing weight, so he was never a candidate to actually suit up.
McAllister led the Saints on to the field before the team’s divisional round win in a moment that Saints fans enjoyed nearly as much as the game itself.
“It was definitely a special night. To be part of that and to be received by Saints fans the way I was is something I will always remember and be able to replay for the rest of my life,” McAllister said.
McAllister will again serve as an honorary captain Sunday, which was supposed to be his role all along. Robert Meachem was shaken up against the Cardinals, so the team is expected to sign a wide receiver.