The Fact That It's The Right Move Doesn't Make The Saints Decision To Release Marques Colston Hurt Any Less

The #Saints will likely release WR Marques Colston in the coming days, according to a league source ... https://t.co/SfokYZwdID

— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) February 23, 2016

The good news is that the Saints are releasing Marques Colston and he was -at times- painful to watch this past year. The bad news is that the Saints are releasing Marques Colston and it would be just as painful to see him wearing a jersey that's not black and gold next year. The NFL is a business, and cutting an overpaid, aging wide receiver that's been on a very noticeable decline is a no-brainer. Cutting the best wide receiver in franchise history, that has shattered both team and league records, and done so while remaining criminally underrated is a much harder decision. Marques Colston hasn't just been pass catcher for this team. He's been a leader. A silent leader that never caused a stir in the locker room and, up until a year ago, could be relied upon no matter the down and distance.

By releasing Marques Colston the Saints aren't just creating a spot for a younger, quicker, cheaper player to come in, but they are letting go of a integral part of their history. Along with Drew Brees, he represents everything that their franchise has been about since 2006. It was his emergence -as a upstart 7th round pick that very nearly went undrafted- that allowed the Saints offense to carry them to the NFC championship game when the city needed it the most. It was his sticky hands and undeniable body control that helped Drew Brees set a record for completions in the process of winning New Orleans it's first Super Bowl. The man they call 'Quiet Storm' always made the most noise without actually making a peep. While the rest of the great players at his position were screaming, yelling, dancing, and branding, Colston was going about his business, and that business was consistency. That business may have faltered over the last few years, and with the amount of drops, fumbles, and injuries it may be nearing bankruptcy, but that doesn't mean it was any less profitable when it mattered the most. This isn't goodbye, and it's far from good riddance, because champions walk together forever. See you later Marques, because that First-Class ticket to the Saints Hall Of Fame isn't going to stamp itself.