New Orleans tight end David Thomas was one of two Saints players cut on Tuesday. (US Presswire)

The New Orleans Saints have waived cornerback Johnny Patrick and released tight end David Thomas, the team announced on Tuesday. 

New Orleans has one of the ugliest cap situations in the NFL, and the two moves will save the team just over $2.9 million against a 2013 cap that's projected to be around $122 million. Thomas was scheduled to make $1.5 million in base salary next season but would have counted $2.2 million against the cap, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Patrick, who was cut more for talent reasons than financial reasons, was scheduled to make $555,000 in 2013 and would have counted $740,000 against the cap. 

Patrick had only started one game for the Saints since being taken by New Orleans in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He recorded zero interceptions and only tallied 29 total tackles in 24 career games played.

Thomas had a slightly more successful stint with the Saints. The seven-year veteran caught 81 passes for 677 yards and seven touchdowns during his four seasons with the team. Thomas began his career with the Patriots (2006-08) before being traded to New Orleans in September 2009. 

"This was an extremely difficult decision to make with David," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement. "Since he came here in 2009, he's been an important part of our team, both with his performance on the field and with the outstanding veteran leadership he's provided for us." 

The Saints started the offseason more than $20 million over the projected 2013 cap but have slowly cut into that number. Besides cutting Patrick and Thomas, the team also recently restructured the contract of linebacker Curtis Lofton. 

CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason LaCanfora also reported that the Saints have asked defensive end Will Smith to take a pay cut. Smith currently has a 2013 cap number of $10 million.

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