The New Orleans Saints have released cornerback Cortland Finnegan just days before the start of the 2016 NFL season, per ProFootballTalk. Adam Schefter of ESPN confirmed the news.
While the 32-year-old defensive back was once one of the best defenders in the league, named first-team All-Pro in 2008, his skills have deteriorated over the past few years, and his opportunities have gone with them.
He played in just five regular-season games with the Carolina Panthers last season after 12 games with the Miami Dolphins the year before.
The veteran player was initially signed by New Orleans in mid-August to provide some much-needed depth to the secondary.