The New Orleans Saints have released defensive tackle Nick Fairley with a non-football illness designation after he missed all of the 2017 season because of a heart condition.

The Saints’ decision could be costly for Fairley Michael Grabner Jersey , who’ll now have to use the grievance process or legal action to receive any more money from a four-year extension he signed during the 2017 offseason that could have been worth up to $28 million.

Had Fairley remained on the roster this season, his 2018 salary and roster bonus would have been worth $5 million.

The 6-foot-4, 308-pound Fairley had a career-best 6 sacks for the Saints in 2016. But during a check-up last offseason Miles Wood Jersey , doctors flagged symptoms related to Fairley’s enlarged heart.

In his career, Fairley has played in 77 regular-season games, making 170 solo or assisted tackles – including one safety – and 20 sacks.

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BUFFALO BILLS (9-8)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WRs Jordan Matthews Nico Hischier Jersey , Deonte Thompson, Brandon Tate, and Jeremy Butler; CBs E.J. Gaines Patrick Maroon Jersey , Leonard Johnson, and Shareece Wright; LBs Preston Brown and Ramon Humber; DTs Kyle Williams and Cedric Thornton; Ss Colt Anderson and Shamarko Thomas; RBs Travaris Cadet and Taiwan Jones; FB Mike Tolbert; OT Seantrel Henderson; QB Joe Webb.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

NEEDS: Quarterback moved to the top of the list after Buffalo traded three-year starter Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a third-round pick. The deal leaves Nathan Peterman – a fifth-round draft pick last year – as the only quarterback on the roster. Aside from free agency, the Bills are anticipated to select a quarterback in the draft. The defensive front seven could be in store for major overhaul with Williams yet to determine whether he’ll retire Youth Pavel Zacha Jersey , starters Brown and Humber eligible for free agency. Unanticipated hole to fill is center after Eric Woods was diagnosed with career-ending neck injury in January. Bills already addressed needs by signing nine-year veteran CB Vontae Davis and running back Chris Ivory, who is expected to take over as LeSean McCoy’s primary backup.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $30 million.

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