Saints Release WR Hakeem Nicks, Sign Long Snapper Chris Highland

The New Orleans Saints released wide receiver Hakeem Nicks on Monday, the team confirmed.

Saints Release WR Hakeem Nicks, Sign Long Snapper Chris Highland

According to Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, coach Sean Payton announced the decision after practice.

The Saints also signed 24-year-old Illinois State long snapper Chris Highland, who had a few brief stints with the team over the past year, and announced that star left tackle Terron Armstead would be coming off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Nicks’ career statistics decreased following a 76-catch, 1,192-yard season in 2011 with the New York Giants. At that time, Nicks and Victor Cruz were viewed as one of the NFL’s most feared receiving duos. The 28-year-old Nicks, at one point, was supposed to receive a similar mega-deal, although a string of injuries led to a sharp decline in performance.

Nicks appeared in six games for the Giants last year, catching seven passes for 54 yards. He also had brief stints in Indianapolis and Tennessee.

The Saints will now look to other players for depth. The franchise is currently looking at a starting lineup of Brandin Cooks, rookie Michael Thomas, Willie Snead and Brandon Coleman. 

In other NFL news, veteran Atlanta Falcons receiver Lance Moore, who will be 33 later this month, announced his retirement on Monday.

Nicks was selected by the Giants as the 29th overall pick out of North Carolina in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Highland becomes the backup long snapper behind Justin Drescher because tight end Garrett Graham, who can also snap, has been dealing with an injury.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: Hakeem Nicks #14 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball to score a touchdown against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)