New Orleans Saints safety Chris Banjo (31) and defensive end Alex Okafor (57) celebrate after stopping a fake punt against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Saints roster cuts 2019: Chris Banjo release a surprise
NEW ORLEANS — In March, the New Orleans Saints signed Chris Banjo to a three-year extension for his contribution as a core special teams player.
Five months later, the Saints unexpectedly released the six-year NFL veteran after his two-plus seasons with the team. The contract extension included $2.7 million guaranteed, which will now count entirely toward the 2019 salary cap. NFL Network reported the release.
Banjo came to the Saints midway through the 2016 after his release by the Green Bay Packers.
Banjo played more than 600 snaps on special teams over his two full seasons in New Orleans, but the Saints have several other young defensive back and special teams type players with J.T. Gray among them.
NFL teams have until 3 p.m. Central time Saturday establish a 53-man roster. The Saints announced 17 transactions Friday.
