Nick Easton

The Saints' cap situation forced them to move on from Easton, who was due $5.8 million, this offseason. The Texans have a standing offer for Easton, the Bengals have interest, and re-signing in New Orleans at a lower salary is still in the mix. Easton made 15 starts in a swing role in his two years with the Saints.

Easton, 29 in June, made 32 career starts with New Orleans before suffering "several" concussions in 2020 and ultimately being forced out to save $5.8 million against the team's books. Both Cincinnati and Houston have glaring needs in the trenches, though, and Easton would at the very least provide snaps on the cheap. It seems unreasonable he lands back with the Saints after the organization drafted Cesar Ruiz with the No. 24 overall pick last year.

This move was expected as the organization continues to jostle the books to get under the league's projected cap number. Releasing Easton, 28, ultimately saves the Saints $5.8 million in 2021. 2020 first-rounder Cesar Ruiz will likely take his spot in Week 1 of the new league year.

Easton, who has been sidelined since Week 14, lands on injured reserve after suffering "several" concussions in 2020. He could return for a potential Super Bowl appearance. The Saints will mix and match with Cesar Ruiz, James Hurst and Will Clapp in Easton's absence. 28-year-old Easton, who has made 32 career starts, is signed with the Saints through 2022.