Amidst the splendid news that the Saints have inked three of their draft choices -- third-rounders Andy Alleman and Usama Young, with fifth-rounder David Jones -- comes a bit of sadness, as the team has cut two long-standing, beloved Saints. The releases of return man Michael Lewis and defensive end/tackle Willie Whitehead were announced today.Whitehead is the last last hold-over from Mike Ditka's disastrous run in the Big Easy, and has proved to be incredibly valuable. His versatility has done a lot in bolstering a Saints defensive line that has been the strength of the team for years, even as the rest of the roster lagged behind. He never received a ton of attention (if any) outside of New Orleans, but Whitehead always showed up for work prepared and did his job admirably.
Michael Lewis, meanwhile, has become a legend in New Orleans. Forget Invincible -- Vince Papale's got nothing on "Beerman." A local product who never went to college (driving a Budweiser truck for a living) and walked on at the NFL level, Lewis didn't just make it into a game, as Papale did. He owns the Saints records for kickoff and punt return yards. He also owns the season-high marks in both categories, and in 2002 set an NFL record with 2,432 combined return yards, a distinction that sent him to the Pro Bowl.
But both are long in the tooth, and room is needed for the Saints' influx of young talent. Lewis' release was expected -- he's dealt with injuries the last two seasons and with Reggie Bush, Lance Moore, and Jones looming, Lewis' inability to play receiver hurt his chances -- but Whitehead's was a bit more of a surprise. The team must feel comfortable in their depth at end behind starters Charles Grant and Will Smith, but Rob Ninkovich and Josh Cooper are largely unproven.
Though the future is exciting, it's hard for Saints fans not to be a bit saddened by today's news. Was it Nietzsche who said "It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday"? Actually, it was Boyz II Men. Still poignant.
