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ESPN Staff Writer- Covered Saints for eight years at New Orleans Times-Picayune
- Previously covered LSU football, San Francisco 49ers
- Iowa native and University of Iowa graduate
METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints have dug their way under the salary cap by releasing linebacker Curtis Lofton and restructuring linebacker Junior Galette's contract, sources told ESPN.
The Saints were roughly $23 million over the cap last week, but they chipped away by releasing Lofton and veteran running back Pierre Thomas, while restructuring several other contracts. There could still be more moves to come before the start of free agency on Tuesday.
Lofton, 28, was a captain and the leading tackler for the Saints in 2014. But he was due to make $7.25 million in salary and bonuses this year. The Saints can save at least $4.25 million against the cap -- or all $7.25 million if they designate him as a post-June 1 release.
In a statement, Lofton said "a man is measured by what it takes to discourage him" and that the Saints would "always be a part of me."
"I have many reasons to count my blessings and look on the brighter side," Lofton said. "I got to play and lay it all on the line for THE WHO DAT NATION for three great years. You guys will always be a part of me. Thank you!"
As for Galette, the Saints saved $10 million by converting his $12.5 million roster bonus to a new signing bonus -- which means they can spread the cap costs over the final five years of his deal.
Lofton was released with a "failed physical" designation because he had minor arthroscopic shoulder surgery in January. But he's expected to get full clearance within two to three weeks.
Lofton also thanked his teammates, the Bensons, coaches and Saints organization.
"Lastly, I will take my passion, my love to compete and love for this great game elsewhere," Lofton said. "I can assure you that whatever team I end up with will get one hell of a ball player. I've just got to trust God and know he's in control. When he orders our steps, all he asks for us to do is follow -- and that's what I'm going to do!"
Lofton's release was a bit of a surprise since he was one of the most valuable players on a defense that struggled mightily in 2014. He ranked fourth in the NFL with 144 tackles, though the Saints ranked 31st in yards allowed and last in overall efficiency, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Lofton was also a valued leader and the "quarterback" of a young defense, and the Saints will have to replace those qualities at a time when they have stressed the need for improved leadership and professionalism more than ever in the Sean Payton-Mickey Loomis era.
However, the five-year, $28 million contract Lofton signed in 2012 to defect from the rival Atlanta Falcons was always scheduled to balloon this year, which forced the Saints into a decision on his value going forward.
It's unclear if Lofton was offered the chance to take a pay cut to stay -- as receiver Marques Colston and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley did last week.
Lofton made a smooth transition into his leadership role in 2012, replacing Jonathan Vilma in that quarterback role (though the Saints' defensive results varied on the field, from 32nd to fourth to 31st in yards allowed).
The 6-foot, 241-pounder isn't a dynamic athlete, but he has always been a standout player as an inside thumper against the run. Lofton never had fewer than 123 tackles in his three years with the Saints, with a total of three sacks and four forced fumbles in that span. He has averaged 126 tackles per year in his seven-year career, never missing a game and starting all but one of them in his rookie year.
Galette's contract tweak was planned from the moment he signed a new four-year, $41.5 million contract extension last September. But it was complicated after Galette was arrested in January on a domestic violence charge that was later dismissed.
Galette was later hit with a civil suit by the alleged victim claiming years of abuse -- though he has denied the charges through his attorney.
The Saints were reportedly shopping Galette as possible trade bait, in part because of unhappiness with Galette's pattern of behavior (he also ruffled feathers last year by making dismissive comments about former players).
It's unclear if the restructured bonus means the Saints are committed to keeping Galette this season, though it would appear that way in the short term.
The Saints could save another $3.33 million against the cap by converting tight end Jimmy Graham's roster bonus to a signing bonus.
Other possible candidates for releases or pay cuts include veteran guards Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs, linebacker David Hawthorne and cornerback Corey White.
The Saints would like to make more room for new additions on the open market, though they already re-signed their own top free agent, running back Mark Ingram, on Saturday.
