http://www.fflivewire.com/Article.asp?ID=312007hfa3959fa Saints release WR Joe Horn Written by: - ffLiveWire - ¦ 3/1/2007 Source: www.neworleanssaints.com After two days of meetings and discussions with Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis and Head Coach Sean Payton regarding a restructure and reduction of his contract, WR Joe Horn and his agent have asked for and been granted his release by the New Orleans Saints. Horn wants to explore his current market value within the NFL, and the Saints have honored that request and remain hopeful that the veteran keeps the notion of returning to New Orleans a viable option after shopping his services. "Joe really wanted to see where his value is around the league for his services," said Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis. "With as much as Joe has meant to the Saints and to New Orleans, we don't want to impede his desire to do so, and we have kept the door open for him to return to our team." Horn, signed as an Unrestricted Free Agent in 2000, has hauled in 523 receptions for 7,622 yards and a team-record 50 touchdowns since coming to New Orleans. He ranks second in club history in catches and yardage, and he is the team's all-time leader in 100-yard receiving games with 27. Entering his 12th season, Horn has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times since signing with the Saints (2000-2002, 2004). He has started 100 of 102 games in New Orleans, including nine of 10 in 2006 when he was slowed by a leg injury. "Joe's numbers speak for themselves, and throughout his career here he has been everything an NFL player should be in the community," said Coach Sean Payton. "That means more than just being an excellent player. He holds a special place to our fans because of his involvement in the city and his passion on the field. Decisions of this type aren't easy, and we understand his desire to see what his value may be with other teams." Horn, 35, is the only player in club record books to have over 75 receptions in five-straight seasons, including tying for the NFC lead in 2004 with 94 grabs, a franchise-record total he first set in 2000. He had a pair of 100-yard games in 2006 and finished with 37 catches for 679 yards with four TDs. In 2005, he hauled in 49 passes for 654 yards and a touchdown. Of the 576 receptions he has recorded in his NFL career-including the first four years with Kansas City-all but 53 have come with the Saints. "He's been one of the best free agents the club has ever signed, and I've been here to watch him develop into one of the NFL's best wide receivers since he joined the Saints," said Loomis. "It's been a great relationship for both our club and for Joe, and one we still hope may continue until Joe is ready to retire." Horn initially signed with New Orleans in 2000 as an Unrestricted Free Agent. He was re-signed to a three-year extension in 2003, and signed a five-year contract extension in 2006.
Joey Porter AND joe horn released, those 2 are both leaders on their team, I'm surprised by this, I would love to see Joey Porter in a jets uni though
I am not surprised by either the release of Horn or Porter. Simply put, their level of play didn't warrant the salary they would make next season. Porter will be 30 going into next season and isn't as productive as a couple of years ago. Meanwhile, Horn has been injured the better part of the last two seasons and had a cap figure of like $7mm if I remember correctly.
