The New Orleans Saints just freed up $2.219 million in salary-cap space.

The Saints reportedly have parted ways with tight end David Thomas and cornerback Johnny Patrick. Releasing Thomas instantly frees up $1.7 million in cap space. The waiver of Patrick clears another $468,655.

That should be a big help as the Saints continue the process of getting under the salary cap before the start of the league year in March. Thomas had been a valuable contributor as a jack of all trades the past four seasons, but the Saints now can look for a less expensive backup to Jimmy Graham.

Patrick, a third-round pick in 2011, was a disappointment. He struggled in coverage last season as the Saints ranked No. 32 in overall defense.

The Saints still are about $16 million over the salary cap and that means there likely will be more releases and contract restructures.