By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
When Terrance Copper got called into his coach’s office Tuesday, he figured something was up.
The New Orleans Saints decided to release Copper, while resigning defensive end Jess Charleston to fill the roster spot. Copper, a former star at Washington High School and East Carolina, is handling his release well.
Copper, a recent addition to the Washington Walk of Fame, had signed with the Saints before the 2006 season after being released by the Dallas Cowboys. In 35 regular season games with New Orleans, Copper caught 38 passes for 511 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 15 tackles on special teams.
It wasn’t a certain catch or tackle that Copper lists among his highlights with the Saints; it’s the bond he established with his teammates.
Several of his teammates came to Washington in the summer to participate in the Terrance Copper First Annual Football Camp. Copper was joined by the likes of David Patten, Lance Moore, Robert Meacham and Devery Henderson.
He said saying goodbye to his fellow receivers and friends wasn’t easy.
Copper’s days with the Saints may not be over completely. The coaching staff left open the possibility of resigning him. However, the staff, and Copper, believes he’ll be off the market soon.
The 6-0, 207-pound Copper already has one workout scheduled. He’ll go through a personal workout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an NFC South rival of the Saints, on Tuesday.
If Copper does land with the Bucs, he said it would be strange lining up against some of his former teammates. The Bucs play host to the Saints on Nov. 30.
Copper, who has 46 receptions for 600 yards and six touchdowns in his career, was supposed to play close to home Sunday when the Saints visit the Carolina Panthers. He said he was lining up about 30 tickets for family and friends.
Now he’s in a waiting game.
Copper is hoping a new start with a new team could be a boost for his career.