Saints release 2-time Pro Bowl RB McAllister
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Popular running back Deuce McAllister was released by the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday in a move that reduced the team's payroll as free agency approaches.
Deuce is loose
The Saints released Deuce McAllister on Tuesday, ending his eight-year run with the team. A look at McAllister's time in New Orleans:
McAllister, the Saints' all-time leading rusher with 6,069 yards, was due over $7 million next season. The Saints said they granted McAllister his release so he could seek offers from other teams.
He played a limited role in the Saints' offense this past season with 107 carries for 418 yards. McAllister has had reconstructive surgery on both knees.
"Decisions like this are always very difficult ones to make," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. "Deuce has epitomized hard work, leadership and productivity throughout his career and has been a source of great pride for all of us associated with the team."
A first-round draft choice in 2001, McAllister also holds team records for touchdowns (55) and rushing touchdowns (49) and is the only Saints player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season four times.
He played in the Pro Bowl in 2002 and 2003. His last 1,000-yard season was 2006, when the Saints advanced to the NFC championship game. That also was the season before McAllister's second anterior cruciate ligament tear.
McAllister's first ACL tear occurred in his right knee early in the 2005 season and the second in his left knee in the third game of the 2007 season.