Saints' cap-cutting in full swing

— -- METAIRIE, La. -- Wednesday marked the end of an era for the New Orleans Saints defense as they announced they are parting ways with four team veterans and members of their 2009 Super Bowl championship team: defensive end Will Smith, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, safety Roman Harper and cornerback Jabari Greer.

None of the moves was unexpected, based on a combination of the Saints' salary-cap situation and the players' declining skills or injury issues. But it was obviously a huge and emotional move for the franchise.

"These were not easy decisions to make," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement. "Since we acquired them, Jabari, Roman, Will and Jonathan have all been excellent players on the field for us. Each of them were integral parts in turning this program around and winning a Super Bowl. They were a great example to our players as team leaders in the locker room as well. ...

"However ... these difficult moves allow us to position our team under the salary cap to move forward for 2014."

These moves should put the Saints under the salary cap for now. They were projected to be around $13-15 million over the cap, but they'll need even more space to re-sign or use the franchise tag on free-agent tight end  Jimmy Graham and clear space for other free-agent signings.

Vilma, 31, was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent, but the others could save the Saints up to $19.2 million in salary-cap space, depending on whether they postpone some of Harper and Greer's remaining cap costs into next year and whether they're required to pay out any injury settlements to Greer and Smith.

Smith was due $11.55 million in salary and bonuses in the final year of his contract.