METAIRIE, Louisiana – The New Orleans Saints launched cornerback Janoris Jenkins on Thursday, as they continue to lower their salary cap, an ESPN source told Adam Schefter.
Jenkins was expected to earn $ 11.2 million in wages and bonuses this year – $ 1.2 million guaranteed. New Orleans will save at least $ 7 million against the salary cap and could save another $ 3 million if the change is designated as a launch after June 1.
Jenkins, 32, went to the Pro Bowl with the New York Giants in 2016 and has 26 interceptions in her nine-year career with the Rams, Giants and Saints. He started 15 games in New Orleans last season, including the playoffs, after the Saints claimed him for dismissal from the Giants at the end of the 2019 season.
The Saints began the off-season with almost $ 100 million over the limit, which was reduced by 8% to $ 182.5 million in 2021 because of the loss of revenue related to the coronavirus in 2020.
New Orleans launched Jenkins, receiver Emmanuel Sanders, bookmaker Thomas Morstead, tight end Josh Hill and striker Nick Easton. The Saints are also expected to launch linebacker Kwon Alexander.
Jenkins was probably one of the toughest decisions on that list, as it proved to be a good fit for the defense of New Orleans, which ranked NFL fourth best in allowed yards and fifth in allowed points in 2020.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder had three interceptions last season, one of which he returned for a touchdown in the week 1 victory over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had 12 defense passes last season and a total of 118 in his career.
Saints do not have an obvious substitute waiting internally, so position can be a priority to be dealt with in the arbitration or draft.
A second-round pick with Rams in 2012, Jenkins started a total of 125 games in the regular season and four more in the playoffs.