According to the New Orleans Saints, the team has released, in addition to the guys earlier reported: guard Roger Allen, linebacker Ezra Butler, tackle Dan Gay, fullback Kolby Hurt, and center Ryan Taylor.

Earlier today, we reported that Alex Brown, Mark Parsons, John Chiles, Jarred Fayson and DeAndre McDaniel had been released.

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.

The New Orleans Saints re-signed backup defensive end Jeff Charleston, who has been with the team since 2008. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder has been an effective pass rusher in spurts. He had three sacks and two forced fumbles last season.

To make room, the Saints released defensive end Curtis Johnson.