The Saints have released DT Hollis Thomas, his agent, Michael Bauer, confirmed to the Times-Picayune of New Orleans.

The Saints acquired Thomas in a draft-day trade with the Eagles in 2006, and he immediately became a force in the middle for the team. But the Saints’ defense struggled in 2008, and the team released Thomas during the season as he fought through injuries. Thomas, a 13-year NFL veteran, eventually re-signed with the Saints and played sparingly in eight games.

The Saints took DT Sedrick Ellis with the seventh overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, and he started 13 games last season. The team also added Rod Coleman to join Kendrick Clancy and DeMarrio Pressley at defensive tackle.

The Saints also released DT Brian Young on Tuesday. Young had spent the last five seasons in New Orleans but also had health issues.