NCAA FB

Saints highest bidder for free-agent back

LexisNexis Feed Times-Picayune
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Updated May 6, 2009 4:30 AM ET
     
 
Although no team selected Western Illinois running back Herb Donaldson during the NFL draft, he apparently was very much in demand afterward. The Saints, who outbid several NFL teams, signed him to a three-year contract, according to his St. Louis-based agent, Jason Fletcher. No other terms were disclosed. Donaldson, 5 feet 11, 220 pounds, finished as the school's leading rusher with 4,746 yards and 50 touchdowns. He will compete for a roster spot as a short-yardage and goal-line running back. He is expected to participate in the Saints' rookie minicamp that runs Friday through Sunday at their practice facility in Metairie. "Oh my God, maybe eight teams were after him," Fletcher said. "The Cowboys, the Giants, the Rams, the Browns, the Chiefs -- teams were very aggressive. It was a bidding war after the draft." A call from Saints Coach Sean Payton and running backs coach Aaron Kromer apparently sealed the deal. "Coach Payton called him directly and got on the phone with him," Fletcher said. "(Donaldson) felt comfortable with him and the position coach as well. This is a good opportunity for him." Projected to go in the sixth or seventh round, Donaldson actually benefited by not being drafted, Fletcher said. "Any time you are not taken in rounds one through four, you're better off just being an undrafted free agent where you can pick and choose where you go," Fletcher said. "Getting picked in rounds five through seven, you might as well be a free agent. "I feel very confident of the Saints, and I really appreciate them giving him an opportunity to be part of their organization. They're very classy, (General Manager) Mickey Loomis and (director of pro scouting) Ryan Pace and all those guys. I have a lot of respect for those guys and have done business with them in the past with other clients." Saints officials also announced the signings of two other undrafted rookie free agents -- Kent State left tackle Augustus Parrish and Louisville wide receiver Chris Vaughn. A three-year starter, Parrish (6-5, 305) closed his college career with back-to-back second-team All-Mid-American Conference seasons. He started 35 games and helped lead the Golden Flashes to consecutive seasons of averaging more than 200 yards rushing per game in his junior and senior years. Vaughn (6-3, 220) played three seasons for the Cardinals after transferring to Louisville from Notre Dame, where he played in six games and caught one pass as a freshman. In 25 games with the Cardinals, he caught 25 passes for 238 yards and no touchdowns. NOTE: As of Tuesday, the Saints are $4,495,636 under the salary cap after terminating the contracts of veteran defensive linemen Brian Young and Hollis Thomas. Each was waived/failed physical. Brian Allee-Walsh can be reached at ballee-walsh@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3805.
Tagged: South Carolina, Kent State, Louisville

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