Metairie, LA (Sportsbooks) - Quarterback Joey Harrington and defensive end Paul Spicer were among the notables released on Saturday by the
New Orleans Saints, who also pulled off a trade for Patriots tight end David Thomas and set their roster at 53.
Harrington, who served as the Saints' third-string quarterback last season, could not beat out 39-year-old Mark Brunell for the backup job behind Drew Brees. The former No. 3 overall draft pick, who has compiled a record of 26-50 in starting stints with the Lions (2002-05), Dolphins (2006), and Falcons (2007), last threw a meaningful NFL pass in 2007, with Atlanta.
Spicer signed with the Saints as a free agent this past offseason after spending nine years with the Jaguars (2000-08). But the 34-year-old pass rusher, who came into the league as a member of the Lions in 1999, was passed over in favor of younger players.
The acquisition of Thomas in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft was prompted in part by a season-ending injury suffered by tight end Billy Miller, who ruptured his Achilles in the preseason.
Thomas, a third-round draft choice of the Pats in 2006, caught 21 passes for 261 yards and a touchdown in three seasons with New England.
In addition to Harrington and Spicer, the team released wide receiver Adrian Arrington, guard Nate Bennett, tackle Michael Brown, center Digger Bujnoch, offensive lineman Anthony Davis, running back Herb Donaldson, guard Tim Duckworth, cornerback Danny Gorrer, wide receiver Skyler Green, defensive tackle Earl Heyman, running back P.J. Hill, tight end Martrez Milner, tackle Jermey Parnell, defensive tackle DeMario Pressley, wide receiver Courtney Roby, wide receiver Matt Simon, and linebacker Anthony Waters.
Of that group, notables include Green and Roby, both of whom contributed in the return game for the Saints a year ago; Hill, the former Wisconsin star who was a candidate for backup running back duties; and Waters, who appeared in seven games as a member of the Chargers last season.
In addition to Miller, fourth-round rookie safety Chip Vaughn (knee) and fullback Olaniyi Sobomehin (shoulder) were placed on season-ending injured reserve.
New Orleans will open its 2009 regular season slate on Sept. 13, when it plays host to the Detroit Lions.
