Nussmeier Sticks With Saints

Hugh Millen, the free-agent quarterback that the New Orleans Saints signed this spring to provide experience at backup, was cut Friday.

Millen is a 10-year veteran from the University of Washington.

He failed to beat out Tommy Hodson, last year’s No. 2 quarterback, or Doug Nussmeier, the No. 4 draft pick in 1994 out of Idaho, who has never taken a snap in a regular-season game.

Nussmeier was the No. 3 quarterback the past two seasons. This summer his accuracy as a passer and ability to run the offense improved tremendously, according to offensive coordinator Carl Smith.

“I think he’s made a great jump,” Smith said. “The big deal is he’s throwing accurately. He’s always been sharp. It took him a while to learn the offense, but that was done a year ago. He’s a good student, he’s right on top of stuff, he’s a detail guy. He never misses a thing. He’s had good running skills, but he was a little wild with the ball. Those were the main places.”

The Miami Dolphins picked up former Washington State tight end Brett Carolan.

Kevin Butler, the last link to the Chicago Bears’ one Super Bowl season, was cut.

The Bears decided to go with a younger player and a smaller salary, choosing rookie Carlos Huerta.