:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50827657/usa-today-8857984.0.jpg)
The New Orleans Saints continued their recent string of moves today by making a big one. According to NFL Insider Rand Getlin (which has since been confirmed via the NFL Transaction Wire), the team has released veteran running back C.J. Spiller.
I'm told the #Saints have released RB CJ Spiller. He's fully healthy now. Wont be long before someone picks him up.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) September 13, 2016
When you look at what Spiller has been able to produce, this move obviously makes sense, but it comes at an interesting time. Spiller looked a lot better during preseason and many believed he could help the Saints and show the fans why the team signed him to a 4-year $16 million contract in 2015.
Spiller was expected to contribute big in his first season with the Saints, but health and inconsistency turned out to be the downfall for the Clemson product.
The Saints clearly didn’t think Spiller could help them this season and they decided that cutting him was the right choice, despite adding another $4.5 million to the already league leading dead cap. The Saints are nearly over $40 million in dead money for 2016.