METAIRIE, La. The New Orleans Saints on Thursday released starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins as they continued to shoot down their salary cap, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jenkins would earn $ 11.2 million in salaries and bonuses this year, of which $ 1.2 million was guaranteed. New Orleans will save at least $ 7 million against the salary cap and could save another $ 3 million if the move is announced as a June 1 release.
Jenkins, 32, went to the Pro Bowl with the New York Giants in 2016 and has 26 interceptions in his nine-year career with the Rams, Giants and Saints. He started 15 games in New Orleans last season, including the playoffs, after the Saints claimed him from the Giants remission late in the 2019 season.
The Saints started the off-season nearly $ 100 million over the hood, which was reduced by 8% for 2021 to $ 182.5 million for 2021 due to coronavirus-related revenue in 2020.
New Orleans has now released Jenkins, receiver Emmanuel Sanders, punter Thomas Morstead, tighthead Josh Hill and attacking linebacker Nick Easton. The Saints will also release linebacker Kwon Alexander.
Jenkins was probably one of the tougher decisions on the list because he was a good fit for the defense, allowing the NFL’s fourth best in the allowed yards and fifth point in 2020.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder had three interceptions last season, one of which returned for a power play in a Week 1 victory over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had 12 defenses last season and a total of 118 in his career.
The Saints do not have a clear substitute, and therefore the position may be a priority to address in free institutions or the concept.
Jenkins, who was selected with the Rams in the second round in 2012, started a total of 125 games in the regular season and four more in the playoffs.