METAIRIE, La. “New Orleans Saints released defender Janoris Jenkins on Thursday as he continues to lower his salary cap,” a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Jenkins was to earn $ 11.2 million in salary and bonuses this year – of which $ 1.2 million was guaranteed. New Orleans will save at least $ 7 million over the salary cap and could save another $ 3 million if the move is designated as a post-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 giving up the Giants at the end of the 2019 season.
The Saints started the off-season with nearly $ 100 million over the ceiling, which was reduced by 8% to $ 182.5 million by 2021 due to coronavirus-related lost revenue in 2020.
New Orleans has now pitched Jenkins, receiver Emmanuel Sanders, striker Thomas Morstead, Strait of Josh Hill and offensive lineman Nick Easton. The saints are also expected to release Kwon Alexander.
Jenkins was probably one of the toughest decisions on this list, as it proved to be a good defense fit, ranking fourth best in the NFL in allowed yards and fifth in allowed points in 2020.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder had three interceptions last season, one of which came back for a touchdown in a Week 1 win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had 12 passing defenses last season and a total of 118 in his career.
The saints do not have an obvious replacement waiting inside, so the position could be a priority to address in the free agency or project.
A draft pick in the second round with the Rams in 2012, Jenkins started a total of 125 games in the regular season and four more in the playoffs.