Popular New Orleans receiver cut

NEW ORLEANS, March 1 (UPI) -- Wide receiver Joe Horn, a leading spokesman for the New Orleans Saints in the months following Hurricane Katrina, was released Thursday.

The Saints reportedly asked Horn to renegotiate his contract under the salary cap and he chose to test free agency. New Orleans officials indicated they hoped to convince Horn to return to the Saints.

Horn, 35, became the second-leading receiver in franchise history during his seven years with the club. He caught 37 passes for 679 yards and four touchdowns last year as the Saints, surprisingly, made it to the NFC title game before falling to the Chicago Bears.

He had 523 catches for 7,622 yards while with the Saints.

Following the devastating hurricane, Horn was often seen in the community helping to boost spirits. He appeared at hurricane-relief functions around the country.