Bumped Saints Quarterback Wants Out

Bobby Hebert, the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints until he was replaced by backup John Fourcade for the final three games of the 1989 season, says he is ready to leave the Saints.

“It’s just time for me to move on,” Hebert said Wednesday night.

He said he will not sign another contract with New Orleans. His contract expires Feb. 1.

Hebert asked Coach Jim Mora on Wednesday not to make him one of the club’s 37 protected players during the two-month “Plan B” signing period, which would allow Hebert to seek a trade.

“If the Saints do protect me,” Hebert said, “I think they would be violating my rights to play for another team.”

He said the meeting with Mora was cordial and professional. “I’ve always had the utmost respect for Coach Mora,” he said. “We talked about the situation.”

Mora and Jim Finks, the Saints president and general manager, could not be reached for comment.

If the club plans to place Hebert on its protected list, it will have to notify him with a qualifying offer by Feb. 1. With a qualifying offer, the Saints would retain the right of first refusal in any trade talks. Hebert would have two months to seek offers from the 27 other National Football League teams.

“I’ve had a great time here,” Hebert said. “Mr. (Tom) Benson is a great owner. The fans are great. But I just believe it’s time for me to look at other opportunities.”

Hebert signed a five-year, $3.5-million contract with the Saints in August, 1985, after playing three seasons in the now-defunct USFL.