New Orleans Saints

AP Source: Saints release tight end Coby Fleener

Published May. 7, 2018 4:26 p.m. ET

METAIRIE, La. (AP) A person familiar with the decision says the New Orleans Saints have released veteran tight end Coby Fleener.

The person spoke to The Associated Press Monday on condition of anonymity because the roster move has not been announced.

Fleener has played two seasons for New Orleans, with whom he signed a five-year, $36 million free-agent contract in 2016 - two seasons after the Saints had traded away star tight end Jimmy Graham.

The 6-foot-6, 251-pound Fleener caught 72 passes for 926 yards and five touchdowns in 27 games with the Saints before his 2017 season was cut short by a Week 12 concussion.

With Fleener's departure, the Saints most accomplished tight ends are Benjamin Watson, Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanawanui.

Fleener began his NFL career in 2012 Indianapolis. In 2014, he was among Colts quarterback Andrew Luck's top targets, with 774 yards and eight touchdowns receiving.

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