Michael DeMocker/The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees

The New Orleans Saints announced on their Twitter feed Monday morning that quarterback Drew Brees will appear on the ‘Tonight Show’ with Jay Leno on Thursday night.

Brees last appeared on the show in December of 2009, when the Saints were on their way to winning Super Bowl XLIV.

Jon Stinchcomb, who has been the New Orleans Saints’ starting right tackle throughout Sean Payton’s tenure as head coach, was released today by the club.

Payton, saying the move was “a difficult decision,” said Zach Strief and Charles Brown will compete for the starting job at right tackle.

“It was a decision we made to go with the younger players and those are always tough decisions,” Payton said of the move. ”In Jon’s defense, he battled through an injury last season.  He probably played his best football the year before that.  It was a decision we spent a lot of time on.

“It wasn’t easy, but after a week here we felt like we needed to get Zach and Charles more work and get them in that position.”

Stinchcomb, a nine-year pro out of Georgia, was named the Saints’ Man of the Year in 2008 and made the Pro Bowl in the Saints’ Super Bowl year of 2009. He was also the Saints’ player representative during the NFL’s labor negotiations this summer.

“I think he is one of the greatest teammates I’ve ever had,” Saints quarterback Drew Brees said of Stinchcomb. ”He is a true pro. He is everything you would want in a teammate, a football player, a man, in a leader. Obviously, he is going to be missed. He has been a mainstay for this team and this offensive line for a long time, especially during our time here. I have had five great years with him. He will always be one of my close friends. I wish him and his family the best. I am not sure what is next for him, but I always love that man.”

Stinchcomb’s release ensures that the Saints will have two new starters on the offensive line this year. Center Jonathan Goodwin signed with the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans signed former Bears center Olin Kreutz to replace him.