METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints released starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins on Thursday as they continue to get rid of their salary cap, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jenkins is said to earn $ 11.2 million in salary and bonuses this year, $ 1.2 million of which is guaranteed. New Orleans will save at least $ 7 million over the salary cap and could save another $ 3 million if the move is flagged as a June 1 release.
Jenkins, 32, went to the Pro Bowl in 2016 with the New York Giants and has 26 interceptions in his nine-year career with the Rams, Giants and Saints. He started 15 games in New Orleans, including the playoffs, last season after the Saints claimed him indemnity from the Giants late in the 2019 season.
The Saints started the off-season with nearly $ 100 million above the limit, which was cut by 8% to $ 182.5 million in 2021 due to lost earnings from the coronavirus in 2020.
New Orleans has now released Jenkins, receiver Emmanuel Sanders, punter Thomas Morstead, tight Josh Hill and offensive lineman Nick Easton. The Saints are also expected to release linebacker Kwon Alexander.
Jenkins was probably one of the more difficult decisions on that list, as he had proven to be a good fit for the defense, ranking as the NFL’s fourth best in yards allowed and fifth in points allowed in 2020.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder had three interceptions last season, one of which he returned for a touchdown in a Week 1 win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had 12 pass defenses last season and a total of 118 in his career.
The Saints don’t have an obvious substitute in house, so position could be a priority to address in free agency or design.
Jenkins, a second-round draft pick with the Rams in 2012, has started with a total of 125 games in the regular season and a further four in the playoffs.