Report: Saints to release safety Kurt Coleman

Multiple reports indicate safety Kurt Coleman is being released by the Saints. Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network first reported the plans by New Orleans to cut ties with the free agent bust.

The #Saints are releasing S Kurt Coleman, source says. The team will keep the door open to his potential return later but he was due $5.5m in total compensation this season and that figure was too high for them.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 21, 2019

The 30-year old back Coleman was due over $5 million in 2019. The former Carolina starter was due to count $7 million against the salary cap. By releasing him, the Saints will save $4 million in space.

After the Panthers released Coleman before the start of the free agency period last February, the Saints signed him to a three-year, $18 million deal that included $6.5M in the first year.

Coleman failed to make an impact in New Orleans and lost out to Vonn Bell for the starting position at safety opposite Marcus Williams.