The New Orleans Saints released six-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Jahri Evans on Monday.
Evans would have been guaranteed $3 million if he were on the roster on Wednesday, which led to the timing of his release.
Evans, 32, spent 10 seasons with the Saints and was named All-Pro on four occasions.
New Orleans also released linebackers David Hawthorne and Ramon Humber and receiver Seantavius Jones on Monday.