The New Orleans Saints released wide receiver Lance Moore on Friday, a move designed at clearing room under the salary cap.

Earlier Friday, Moore tweeted out an apparent farewell message to fans.

Thank you New Orleans for an amazing nine years. Who Dat Nation, the best on earth!!! - Lance Moore (@LanceMoore16) March 7, 2014

Moore, 30, was due to make $3.8 million in salary and bonuses this year, including a $500,000 roster bonus due this month. His pending release was first reported by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

He has two years remaining on his contract. By releasing him, the Saints save at least $2.5 million against this year's salary cap -- and possibly the full $3.8 million if they designate his release as a post-June 1 move.

"While his production on paper is obvious, it only tells half the story," Saints coach Sean Payton said in a statement. "Lance came to us an undrafted rookie who went to NFL Europe and spent time on our practice squad. He went on to produce outstanding results on the field for us as a result of his work ethic, reliability and commitment to get better every day. He's been one of the pillars of what we have built here as an organization."

The Saints have parted ways with some longtime veteran players this offseason while carving out cap space. In February, they released former defensive stalwarts Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma, Roman Harper and Jabari Greer.