NEW ORLEANS – The Saints intend to release defensive end Charles Grant Friday, team Vice-President and General Manager Mickey Loomis said Thursday in a news release.
The club also announced it has released linebacker Mark Simoneau and offensive lineman Jamar Nesbit.
Grant was one of the team’s two first-round choices in 2002 and played in 118 games over eight seasons, though he has ended the past two seasons on injured reserve with a torn triceps injury.
Grant's season ended following the final game of the 2009 regular season as he tore his triceps muscle in the game against Carolina and missed the postseason run. He had surgery to repair the muscle.
Simoneau missed each of the last two seasons due to injury, losing 2008 to a back injury and 2009 to a torn triceps.
Nesbitt played primarily on special teams in 2009.
The 31-year-old Grant started every game this year and was credited with 53 tackles, 5 1/2 sacks and a forced fumble.
