Report: Saints release linebacker Curtis Lofton

The New Orleans Saints released middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, according to multiple reports.

The New Orleans Saints released middle linebacker Curtis Lofton on Monday, according to multiple reports. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the deal.

Lofton, 28, recorded 144 combined tackles last season for the Saints, his sixth straight season with triple-digit tackles. He has not missed a game in seven NFL seasons with Atlanta and New Orleans.

According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, the team had been trying to trade Lofton prior to Tuesday's free-agent deadline.

The release is expected to clear more than $4 million in cap space for New Orleans.

Lofton signed a five-year deal with the Saints in 2012. He was selected out of Oklahoma by the Falcons in the second round of the 2008 draft.

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- Jeremy Woo