Jahri Evans reportedly refused to take pay cut with New Orleans Saints

Jahri Evans, the All-Pro offensive guard released by the New Orleans Saints on Monday, reportedly refused to take a pay cut.

According to Matt Mascona of ESPN Radio Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Jahri Evans‘ agent spoke to 94WIP Sports Radio in Philadelphia (Evans’ hometown), informing the station that his client refused to take a second pay cut, ultimately leading to his release.  He took his first pay cut back in June to supposedly secure his future with the New Orleans Saints.

Whatever the case may be, Evans is no longer with the Saints, who drafted him out of Bloomsburg (PA) in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.  He became a staple on the offensive line and one of the greatest players to ever throw on a black and gold uniform, earning six trips to the Pro Bowl, four first-team All-Pro selections, and helping lead the New Orleans to its first and only Super Bowl appearance and win.

People have been a bit sour about how Jahri Evans went out — no honor by the Saints, no public thank you.  Maybe New Orleans is cooking up something special?  Maybe they’re waiting to see if he retires?  Maybe they’re not?  Maybe something else happened behind closed doors?

Still, Jahri Evans deserves a round of applause for his accomplishments both on and off the field during his time in the Big Easy.  But thanks to age, health and money, his time down on the bayou was up.

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He will forever be one of the Saints’ all-time greats.  With Evans now out of the picture, the Saints must turn to free agency and/or the 2016 NFL Draft to fill the void.  The current guard situation, on both the left and right side, just will not cut it next season.