Report: Saints Sign Ex-Bill Jake Kumerow to Contract with Michael Thomas on IR

The New Orleans Saints claimed wideout Jake Kumerow off waivers from the Buffalo Bills on Friday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

A product of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the 28-year-old Kumerow scored his first touchdown of the season against the Denver Broncos in Week 15. He'll now join a Saints offense in need of skill players after wideout Michael Thomas went on injured reserve with an ankle injury last week.

Kumerow could serve as an insurance policy for New Orleans as the playoffs near. Head coach Sean Payton still has plenty of options to help make up for the loss of Thomas, including Emmanuel Sanders, Austin Carr, Juwan Johnson and Lil'Jordan Humphrey. 

Yet with Tre'Quan Smith and Deonte Harris both on IR, as well, it makes sense that the team would want another healthy body on the depth chart. 

The Bills released the Chicago native with the idea he would end up back in Buffalo after clearing waivers, per Rapoport. The Saints made sure that wouldn't happen.

That could allow Kumerow to contribute to two division titles this season, with the Bills claiming the AFC East last week and the Saints able to clinch the NFC South with a win against the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas. A Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss Sunday, or a tie from both New Orleans and Tampa Bay this week, would also hand the division crown to the Saints. 

Kumerow, who also happens to be the cousin of Nick and Joey Bosa, joins his third NFL franchise with 344 yards and three touchdowns on 21 career receptions.