BRISTOL, Conn., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- It appears New Orleans Saints safety Sammy Knight will join the list of unrestricted free agents in the National Football League.
ESPN.com is reporting that Knight, a Pro Bowler in 2001, will exercise the right to void the final year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent.
"I've spent six years there (in New Orleans) and, the way it seems, it's time to move on," Knight said. "Wherever I go, I want to help change things for the better."
Knight, 27, signed a five-year, $10 million contract with the Saints in 1999, but had the right to void the final year if he reached performance incentives. His base salary for 2003 is $1.9 million, but Knight believes he can make more as a free agent.
He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Southern California in 1997, and earned a starting job a month into his rookie campaign. He has been a fixture at strong safety for the Saints ever since.
He has 28 career interceptions, including 16 over the last three years.
Knight reportedly joins a list of unrestricted free agent safeties which includes Kwamie Lassiter, Tebucky Jones, Donovin Darius, and Lee Flowers.
The NFL free agent signing period begins on Feb. 28.
