Saints to release WR Lance Moore

By
MIKE TRIPLETT via <a href="http://espn.go.com/" title="ESPN" class="espn_sc_byline">ESPN </a>
via
March 7, 2014, 12:06 PM ET
3 min read

— -- The New Orleans Saints will release wide receiver Lance Moore on Friday, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Earlier Friday, Moore tweeted out an apparent farewell message to fans.

Thank you New Orleans for an amazing nine years. Who Dat Nation, the best on earth!!! - Lance Moore (@LanceMoore16) March 7, 2014

Moore, 30, was due to make $3.8 million in salary and bonuses this year, including a $500,000 roster bonus due this month.

He has two years remaining on his contract. By releasing him, the Saints will save at least $2.5 million against this year's salary cap -- and possibly the full $3.8 million if they designate his release as a post-June 1 move.

The Saints have parted ways with some longtime veteran players this offseason while carving out cap space. In February, they released former defensive stalwarts Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma, Roman Harper and Jabari Greer.

The Saints were shopping Moore and veteran running backs Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles in talks with other teams, sources said Thursday.

The Saints are estimated to be right up against the cap after making a franchise-tag tender to tight end Jimmy Graham and a restricted-free-agent tender to safety Rafael Bush this week. They can carve out more space by restructuring contracts with veterans and possibly releasing other players before free agency begins Tuesday.

Moore has been with the Saints longer than any other player on the roster, having joined the practice squad in 2005. He has been a core part of the team's record-breaking offense throughout the Sean Payton- Drew Brees era. The former undrafted rookie from Toledo ranks among the top five receivers in Saints history in receptions (346) and touchdown catches (38) to go along with 4,281 yards. He was named the Saints' man of the year in 2012 for his work on and off the field.

Moore had his first 1,000-yard season in 2012. His role diminished last season after he missed three weeks with a hand injury. When he returned, he was used primarily as the team's No. 3 receiver, having fallen behind rookie Kenny Stills. He finished the regular season with just 37 catches for 457 yards and two touchdowns.