Report: Saints to release Junior Galette after series of off-field incidents

The New Orleans Saints have opted to release linebacker Junior Galette, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, parting ways with the standout pass-rusher after a series of off-field incidents.

Galette was booked on domestic violence and simple battery charges in early January. Those charges were eventually dismissed, but a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault was filed the following month.

New Orleans was thought to be shopping the 27-year-old on the trade market shortly thereafter, but another incident arose in June, when a 2013 video surfaced that appeared to show him striking a woman with a belt.

The Saints were frustrated by the two incidents, according to Rapoport, which evidently led the club to part ways ahead of training camp.

Galette told Evan Woodbery of The Times Picayune that the Saints' move is a mistake on the team's part, and he believes the decision was made solely by head coach Sean Payton.

"The worst call they've ever made," Galette said. It was a terrible call to kick me when I'm down ... Everything is Sean's call. He told me that himself. He's the one who pulls the trigger."

Moving forward without his proven ability off the edge will leave the Saints with a significant void up front, but their choice to cut ties certainly falls in line with the changing climate of the NFL over the past calendar year.

Recording 22 sacks throughout the past two seasons, Galette had emerged as the Saints' most productive pass-rusher. His release comes less than one year after his play earned him a four-year, $41.5-million extension.