NEW ORLEANS – The defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints got a jump on roster cuts Tuesday with the release of five players, including veteran linebacker and special teams captain Troy Evans.
Along with Evans, Saints officials waived wide receivers Mark Bradley and Rod Harper, cornerback Danny Goorer and guard Tim Duckworth.
In addition, the Saints signed free agent linebacker K.C. Asiodu to a one-year contract, according to league sources.
Evans’ release is somewhat of a surprise. A veteran of eight NFL seasons, Evans, 32, has captained special teams the last two seasons and played an integral role on that unit since his arrival in 2007.
Evans’ release proves Saints Coach Sean Payton and Special Teams Coordinator Greg McMahon are serious about improving that aspect of their football team and sends a clear message out to other players on the bubble.
Saints’ special teams finished 28th in the 32-team league last season and have proven to be the team’s Achilles’ heel through the first half of the preseason.
Asiodu (6-2, 225) spent last season on the practice squads of the St. Louis Rams for two stints and Miami Dolphins. He most recently was released by the Rams on June 29. A native of Chino Hills, Calif., Asiodu played collegiately at Central Oklahoma.
The Saints roster now stands at 76, one above the 75-player maximum all NFL teams must reach by Aug. 31.
Saints beat writer Brian Allee-Walsh can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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