New Orleans Saints cap casualties continue as Lance Moore is said to be out of New Orleans. Though it is unofficial, it is said that Moore will no longer be wearing black and gold. The 31 year old wide receiver has played for the Saints since 2005 and was a major part of the Saints Super Bowl team in 2009.
Moore, a fan favorite, was scheduled to make around $3 million next season and with contract bonuses coming soon, New Orleans was forced to make a difficult decision. Coming off a down season with only 37 receptions, 457 yards and two touchdowns, the Saints decided to part ways with Moore and move on with the younger receivers, including Kenny Stills who assumed the Saints number two receiver role over Moore last season.
Even after the release of the four defensive players nearly a month ago, the Saints continue to make cuts in hopes of reaching a long term deal with Tight End Jimmy Graham. Unfortunately Moore will not be enough. It has been rumored that Pierre Thomas, and Darren Sproles have been put on the trade block.
Though both may not be traded or released, it would be a surprise if both end up playing in a Saints uniform next season. With the late emergence of Mark Ingram last season and potential of last season’s undrafted rookie Khiry Robinson, Sproles and Thomas may not be worth their somewhat expensive contract. Both running backs are set to make between $3 and $4 million this next season, and releasing them could help New Orleans get that much closer to reaching a deal with Graham.
Another likely casualty is on the defensive side of the football. Brodrick Bunkley, the 30 year old defensive tackle for New Orleans is set to make just over $6 million next season. Even though Bunkley had a successful season last year, his $6 million contract may be too much for the Saints to honor. With other developing young defensive lineman, Cam Jordan, Akiem Hicks, and John Jenkins all producing, a $6 million role player is just too expensive to keep.
Clearing some cap room is a heart breaking task for Saints fans. Unfortunately more hearts are going to be broken. The NFL is a business and more business decision will have to be made very soon with Thomas, Sproles, and Bunkley. For now though, Saints fans will have to bid Lance Moore farewell.