Cortland Finnegan Released by Saints: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The New Orleans Saints have released cornerback Cortland Finnegan just days before the start of the 2016 NFL season, per ProFootballTalk. Adam Schefter of ESPN confirmed the news.

While the 32-year-old defensive back was once one of the best defenders in the league, named first-team All-Pro in 2008, his skills have deteriorated over the past few years, and his opportunities have gone with them.

He played in just five regular-season games with the Carolina Panthers last season after 12 games with the Miami Dolphins the year before.

The veteran player was initially signed by New Orleans in mid-August to provide some much-needed depth to the secondary. He provided experience and represented a potential replacement for Keenan Lewis, who was dealing with a hip injury and was eventually released.

It didn't take long for Finnegan to make a positive impression on the coaching staff.

"He's got pretty good football instincts and awareness," head coach Sean Payton said on the cornerback's first day of practice, per Nick Underhill of the Advocate. "We've seen him throughout his career and most recently in the last part of the season with Carolina."

However, the team has apparently decided to go in a different direction heading into the start of the season.

The Saints are now left with a talented but extremely young set of cornerbacks on the roster. Delvin Breaux and P.J. Williams are in their second season, while De'Vante Harris and Ken Crawley are both undrafted rookie free agents.

After the Saints allowed the second-most passing yards and most touchdowns in the NFL last season, there are major question marks in the secondary heading into the year.

As for Finnegan, he performed well in limited playing time with the Panthers last season and in the playoffs, but it might be tough to latch onto a team before Week 1. His best-case scenario might be to wait until the middle of the year again like he did in 2015.