Report: Junior Galette created issues in Saints' locker room, had fistfight with teammate

The New Orleans Saints opting to release pass-rusher Junior Galette on Friday came as a surprise to many around the league, but the move certainly appears to have been a long time coming.

In addition to his multiple off-field issues that reportedly frustrated the team, Galette apparently became a distraction in the Saints' locker room after signing his four-year, $41.5-million contract extension in 2014.

Galette's attitude changed upon receiving the lucrative long-term deal, which quickly resulted in the Saints having buyer's remorse, according to Katherine Terrell of the Times-Picayune, citing team sources.

His contract was reportedly not well received by some within the locker room, as many players were in strong support of then-Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, who was locked in a battle with management for a well-deserved deal of his own.

Galette, despite being elected a team captain for that season, reportedly also irked those within the organization by openly speaking about the team's issues, as well as making a public claim that the current players were superior to those they replaced on the Saints' Super Bowl-winning roster.

Defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick and Galette got into a fistfight before a preseason game, sources told the Times-Picayune's Terell, who describes a "trickle-down effect" resulting in other physical confrontations between Saints teammates labeled as "all-out brawls."

That being said, Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis told Joel A. Erickson of The Advocate that Galette deserves another chance.

"You know, that’s a guy who I think is a good guy. Probably made a couple of bad decisions lately, but I don’t want people to judge him," Lewis said. "Give him a chance, give him an opportunity. Wish the best for him. Don’t talk down on him and say this guy’s that. Like they say, don’t ever judge a book from the first two pages. Always read the middle."

Galette remained a productive pass-rusher throughout the 2014 season, leading the club with 10 sacks, but his apparent negative locker-room presence and multiple off-field issues led the Saints to release him, despite the significant cap hit.

While the sixth-year veteran's talent should generate interest on the open market, he may have to wait for some clarity on his current status with the league office.

Galette's domestic violence incident from earlier this year is still under NFL review, which could land him a suspension of six games if his actions are found to be in violation of the new personal conduct policy.