WR Joe Horn and former GM Randy Mueller

One of the most productive offensive weapons in team history and one of the most popular players in franchise history, WR Joe Horn has been cut by the Saints.

According to the Saints' press release, the GM Mickey Loomis granted Horn's request to hit the open market. Apparently desirous to set his own market value after the Saints asked Horn to reduce his salary, Horn will become a free agent Friday at midnight EST.

His 7622 receiving yards is 232 short of the franchise record owned by Eric Martin and is nine catches short of Martin's team-record 532, but Horn owns the top four single seasons for yards, four of the top five reception seasons, three of the top four seasons in receiving touchdowns, and two of the top five games in team history. He owns outright the team record for 100-yard games (27), career touchdowns (50) and had a team-record three seasons with five 100-yard games.

Horn, 35, signed a six-year, $42 million contract in May 2005, and was due a $1.2 million roster bonus on March 15.

Horn's departure leaves the Saints' receiving corps dangerously thin at experience. Elder statesman Michael Lewis is a kick returner and didn't play much receiver in 2006. His two career starts combine with Devery Henderson's 10, Marques Colston's 12, and Terrance Copper's 4, giving the Saints 28 total starts among their top four receiving options.

Horn started 100 games as a Saint and played 11 seasons in the NFL, and those four players combine for 13.

Lewis appeared in one Pro Bowl as a kick returner and Colston was named an alternate this year, while Horn has appeared in four.

Horn was deactivated by head coach Sean Payton last season for the home stretch through December and January. Horn was almost certainly healthy enough to play the final games of the season, including the playoffs, but was sat in practice and deactivated in games.

Published reports after his release indicate Horn feels bitter and betrayed by Payton.