The New Orleans Saints released DT Brian Young, the team announced on Tuesday. According to a league source, Young had his contract renegotiated before the start of free agency so the team could avoid paying him roster bonus of close to $3 million. The team will save $745,000 of cap space, but will take on close to $2.7 million in dead space after Young's release.

Young, a nine-year NFL veteran, spent the past five seasons as a Saint after signing with the club as an unrestricted free agent prior to the 2004 season. The 31-year old defensive lineman played in 64 regular season games for New Orleans, starting 58 of them, and recorded 266 tackles, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also started both postseason games in 2006, making 10 tackles.

“This was a very difficult decision to make,” said Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis. “Brian is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever met and I have as much respect for him as any player I have ever been associated with. We will miss his passion for the game. He has been a key contributor to our defense for a number of years and has also brought a lot to our organization as a high character individual. He has not received as much recognition and credit as he deserves for what he has brought to our team and this community. He will always be welcome in our building.”

Young was severely limited by knee injuries that forced him to finish each of the past two seasons on the injured reserve list. The UTEP graduate was only able to play in 17 games in ’07 and ’08 and was limited to 35 tackles in those two campaigns.

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