Saints Make Surprising Cuts/Moves to Get Down 75

The Saints continued to address the linebacker position on Monday as they acquired Mark Simoneau along with an undisclosed 2007 draft choice from Philadelphia for WR Donte` Stallworth. The deal between the teams is contingent upon both players passing physicals. Simoneau (6-0, 245 pounds) has played in 91 games with 38 starts since he entered the league as a third round selection by Atlanta (67th overall) in the 2000 NFL Draft. He was acquired by the Eagles in a trade with the Falcons for a pair of draft choices in 2003 and started 29-of-46 games with Philadelphia. A versatile and speedy linebacker, Simoneau played in a number of roles during his three years in Philadelphia. He manned the middle and weakside LB spots, served as the nickel LB in 2005 and also worked as a productive player (22 tackles - second on the team) on special teams. He has career totals of 355 total tackles - including a career-high 149 (89 solo) in his first season with the Eagles in 2003 - and four sacks. He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October 2003 after registering 45 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. "I think the feeling was that we have some depth at that position (wide receiver) right now with some young players doing well," said Saints Head Coach Sean Payton. "I think it`s a good opportunity for Donte` to start fresh in Philadelphia and it`s an opportunity for us to acquire a pick as well as a player in Mark." Last week, New Orleans acquired LB Scott Shanle from Dallas for an undisclosed 2007 draft choice. Stallworth (6-0, 196 pounds), a former Saints first round choice (13th overall in 2002), posted 195 catches for 2,791 yards and 23 touchdowns during four seasons with New Orleans. The Saints also terminated the contract of long-time special teams ace Fred McAfee and also waived TE Tim Euhus, QB Jason Fife and CB Joey Thomas. McAfee, a Pro Bowler in 2002, has played in 190 NFL games, 118 with the Saints - tied for 21st in club history. He was originally selected by New Orleans in the sixth round (154th overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played three seasons from 1991-93 with the Saints and led the club in rushing yards with 494 despite appearing in only nine games as a rookie in 1991. He also played with Arizona, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay before he returned to the Saints in October of 2000. His contract was not renewed by the club after the 2003 season, but he re-signed with New Orleans in October of 2004. "It was a tough decision," Payton said about the decision on McAfee. "It was the hardest cut I had to make. I think he is a special person and I think he`s had a great career. He is exactly what I am looking for from a character standpoint, a work ethic standpoint and what he stands for." The Saints also claimed former Atlanta DT Antwan Lake (6-4, 308 pounds) off waivers last Friday. The moves bring the Saints active roster to the current NFL limit of 75. All NFL teams must have their rosters pared to 53 by Sept. 2 at 3 pm CT.