The New Orleans Saints have released linebacker Will Smith, ending the veteran's 10-year stay with the franchise.

Smith played a key role for the team as they won the Super Bowl in 2009, recording 13 sacks, but he tore his ACL last August and with a salary cap of $13.9m £8.3m) for the forthcoming season, he was always likely to be cut.

It is assumed that the 32-year-old is to be the first of many let go by the Saints, with Roman Harper and Lance Moore both possibly departing.

NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport confirmed the news via his Twitter account, writing: "#Saints doing some cap maneuvering, hear some big cuts are coming likely today. With a cap number of $13.9M, DE Will Smith first to be released.

"Other #Saints at risk include S Roman Harper ($5.8M cap number & they drafted his replacement) & WR Lance Moore ($5.1M cap number)."

Smith was drafted by the Saints in 2004 after an impressive college career at Ohio State.