In the same year that Sean Payton became the head coach and Drew Brees became the starting quarterback in New Orleans, the Saints took a seventh-round flyer on a receiver from Hofstra who would pay immediate and consistent dividends.
Now, after 10 seasons, Marques Colston has been released by the Saints, according to the official NFL transaction wire.
His contract was terminated with the designation “failed physical.” Regardless of condition, he becomes a free agent, able to sign with any team.
Colston exits the roster as the leading receiver in Saints franchise history, with 711 catches and 9,759 yards. He also has the most touchdowns in team history, with 72.
A steady, consistent performer, Colston never had more than 1,202 receiving yards in any season, back in 2007. His worst season statistically came in 2015, with career lows in catches (45), yards (520), and touchdowns (four).
Colston turns 33 in June, and presumably still has gas in the tank. The question is whether he wants to continue his career with a new team or retire from the game.
He’s currently 44th on the all-time reception list, 49th on the receiving yardage list, and tied for 36th on the receiving touchdown list.