Contrary to reports that kicker Olindo Mare failed a physical in New Orleans, a league source tells us that Mare was released after refusing to accept a pay cut.

Per the source, the Saints wanted Mare to sign a deal equal to the contract recently inked by Martin “the Hamburglar” Gramatica.

Mare opted not to trim his $1.5 million base salary for 2008.  He was signed through 2009, with a base salary of $1.5 million that year, too.

He instantly becomes a free agent, and may sign elsewhere in advance of the official launch of free agency.

Coincidentally, the Saints claimed last year that receiver Joe Horn failed a physical in releasing him.