The New Orleans Saints reported on Friday that they have released right guard Larry Warford's contract after three seasons with the team.
The Saints signed Warford to a four-year, $34 million contract as a free agent during the 2017 offseason. Warford had played the previous four campaigns with the Detroit Lions.
The former Kentucky Wildcat made the Pro Bowl in three straight years with New Orleans, helping the Saints amass a 37-11 regular-season record and three NFC South titles.
Warford made 44 of his 101 career starts with the Saints.
Nick Underhill of New Orleans.Football explained the rationale for why Warford was cut.
"New Orleans has the NFL’s second-fastest offensive line with [first-round draft pick Cesar Ruiz] moving into the starting group," Underhill said. "Warford is one of the slowest guards in the NFL."
He also added the following:
"The Saints want players who can move.
"Not just at the skill positions, but also on the offensive line. Blocking and being assignment sound are still the chief responsibilities for Drew Brees' group of protectors. That will never change, but New Orleans now appears to be placing a premium on linemen with athletic ability and has assembled one of the NFL's fastest offensive lines."
The Saints will save $7,750,000 on their 2020 cap with the move, per Over the Cap.
New Orleans' 2020 starting offensive line, from left to right, should now be left tackle Terron Armstead, left guard Andrus Peat, center Erik McCoy, Ruiz and Ryan Ramczyk. They'll protect quarterback Drew Brees in his 15th season in New Orleans as the team looks for its fourth consecutive NFC South title and a deep playoff run.
