New Orleans Saints sign long term deal with WR Marques Colston - NFL News
Finally, something goes right for the New Orleans Saints as they announced on Tuesday that they have reached a deal with star wide receiver, Marques Colston.
Colston was one of three Saints stars whose contract had run out at the end of the 2011-12 season. Guard, Carl Nicks, and quarterback, Drew Brees, are two other players that New Orleans are looking to sign up on long term contracts.
Brees was franchise tagged after both parties were reportedly far apart in their valuations of the new deal, while Nicks is currently a free agent and is getting interest from Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The signing of the wide receiver is the one positive news for the franchise which is currently embroiled in a bounty controversy.
General manager, Mickey Loomis, was happy with Colston’s re-signing with the Saints and heaped praise on the player in a statement announcing the signing.
"Since we drafted Marques in 2006, he's been everything that we are looking for in a New Orleans Saint as a player and a person. He's been a major part of our success and we're excited that he will continue to be an integral part of our team for years to
come."
Colston himself was pleased with his new deal and said that he never wished to enter free agency.
"This was important to me, to be back with this team in this situation. I was not looking to chase free agency; it was more important for me to be back in our program, a program I believe in. Now it is time to get back to work and win some more rings."
The new contract is reportedly worth $ 40 million and will keep Colston at the franchise for five-years.
The wide receiver played a huge role in the Saints’ run to the playoff divisional round and a regular season 13-3 record.
Colston made 80 receptions this year for a gain of 1,143 yards and was Brees’ favourite target as he scored eight touchdowns in the regular season.
New Orleans will now look to keep Brees at the franchise for the long term and agree a new contract with the quarterback who has been the main reason for the Saints transformation into an elite franchise.
It is also hoped that Pro-Bowl guard, Carl Nicks, will also re-sign with the Saints but contract talks have stalled with a dispute on wages.
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