METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints signed veteran receiver Josh Morgan after his weekend tryout during the team's rookie minicamp, a league source confirmed. The signing was first reported by Pro Football Talk.
Morgan, 29, has been a starter at times in his seven-year career spent with the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears, with a total of 209 receptions, 2,558 yards and 12 touchdowns. But his production his diminished in recent years, including a career-low 10 catches for 70 yards and one touchdown last season in Chicago.
If Morgan is able to muster a resurgence, there could be an opportunity in New Orleans, where the Saints are light on experienced veterans behind starters Marques Colston and Brandin Cooks. But he'll have to outshine young backups Nick Toon, Joe Morgan, Seantavius Jones and Brandon Coleman, among others.
Saints coach Sean Payton has repeatedly praised Jones and Coleman this offseason as relative unknowns who could play significant roles. Both went undrafted last year and spent most of the season on the practice squad.
Josh Morgan could also be helped by his blocking ability. That has been a strength of the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder in the past. And the Saints have always valued blocking specialists, including Robert Meachem and Joe Morgan.
