But there's not a place or space on the Saints' roster.

Political correctness dictates that words to that effect won't be uttered by anyone on the coaching staff or in the front office, especially hours after the completion of one of the most disappointing regular seasons in franchise history, considering what was expected and what was delivered. Wounds are fresh, a Deuce-loving fan base is steamed, and respect, which seemed lacking for McAllister as a player this season, demands that the front office at least give the appearance that McAllister the man isn't being kicked to the curb.

But you don't need tarot cards to read the situation.

The Saints, under Coach Sean Payton, have moved on, actions serving as a pretty obvious indicator over words.

"If I'm not in the plans, I'm not in the plans," McAllister said Sunday, after a 33-31 loss to Carolina gave the Saints an 8-8 record this season, a 15-17 mark over the past two years and a 26-24 ledger, including playoffs, under Payton. "I'm man enough to accept that."

And smart enough to know it has come to that because, frankly, it's time. And better for it to happen sooner rather than later, so that whatever remains of a solid player-franchise relationship doesn't become strained.

Neither the team nor one of its all-time greats will benefit from another 2008. It was an insult earlier in the season when he was declared healthy but was actively inactive, all dressed up with no position to play.

And that scenario isn't likely to change with Pierre Thomas now the Saints' between-the-tackles runner who also can get outside, Reggie Bush filling all the other running back roles and a younger, cheaper, healthier alternative available as a rookie free agent or second-day draft pick to back them up and play special teams.

Sure, Deuce believes he'll be closer to his previous, more-productive self with another offseason to work on his surgically repaired knees. But there's no guarantee that will be the case and no guarantee the Saints are willing to wait and see if that will be the case. No, a quick split benefits both parties.

Whatever backlash there is for the organization that comes from such a move, it'll happen early during the offseason, and there'll be all spring and summer to let the rumblings dwindle (all bets are off on the first time a third-and-1 isn't converted). And for Deuce, there'd be the chance to catch on with a team sooner, learn a new offense sooner, bond with new teammates sooner.

Nothing like the bond he established in New Orleans, mind you.

"He's been everything to me," said fullback Mike Karney, one of McAllister's closest friends and a five-year teammate of the eight-year veteran. "He has done a lot for my career. It's been a privilege and an honor to be a teammate with him."

But the end of that road probably was traveled Sunday, when McAllister ran for 40 yards on eight carries and caught five passes for 41 yards. In 97 regular-season games with the Saints -- the equivalent of six full seasons -- he ran for 6,096 yards and scored 54 touchdowns.

Sure, he would prefer finishing in New Orleans. But that just doesn't seem to mesh with reality.

"I want to bring a Super Bowl ring here to New Orleans," he said. "But at the end of the day, economics comes into play."

Economics, productivity, whether a player fits the space a team has available.

"If it's the last go-round, then that's what it is," Deuce said after Sunday's game.

The last one in New Orleans, probably. But the guy still wants to play, and somewhere in the NFL there probably is a place and a space for him on a roster.

"I think he's got at least two or three more years," Karney said. "I think (continuing to play) is something he wants to do. He wants to finish his career on a good note.

"It's going to be hard if the case is that he's not coming back. But I think anybody that's close to him and loves him like I do, you want the best for him.

"He deserves that."

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John DeShazier can be reached at jdeshazier@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3410.