The Facts: Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports that the Saints have released Fleener.
Diehards Line:When the Saints signed Fleener as a free agent in 2016, the hope was that he’d become a favorite target for quarterback Drew Brees. That never quite happened and now it appears Fleener will be playing elsewhere in 2018. If the move is designated as a post-June 1 cut, the Saints will save $3 million against this year’s cap. If not, there will be $8.2 million in dead money this year. Fleener had 72 catches for 926 yards and five touchdowns in 27 games for the Saints over the last two years. He also had a two-yard rushing touchdown during the 2016 season and ended the 2017 season on injured reserve due to a concussion. The Saints signed Benjamin Watson as a free agent this offseason and have Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanawanui at tight end as well.