Metairie, LA -- (Sports Network) - The New Orleans Saints released defensive tackle Hollis Thomas on Wednesday.

Thomas sat out the first eight games of the 2008 season with a triceps injury he suffered in training camp. Over the final eight games of the season, he made 10 tackles.

The 35-year-old Thomas was acquired by the Saints in a draft-day trade from Philadelphia in 2006 and made 117 tackles with 6 1/2 sacks and a fumble recovery in his three seasons in New Orleans.

"Hollis Thomas had a significant presence for us both on the defensive line and in the locker room for a number of years," said Saints head coach Sean Payton said. "He has been a big part of what we have accomplished here."

Over his 12 years in the NFL, with his first nine being in Philadelphia, he has appeared in 162 games and has amassed 481 tackles and 20 sacks.