New Orleans Saints Roster Moves
Today’s roster moves include re-signing fullback Austin Johnson and re-structuring the contract of Dannell Ellerbe.
Austin Johnson
Austin Johnson – Courtesy of NOLA.com
Johnson was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 as an undrafted free agent. He was then signed by the Saints. Johnson bounced between the practice squad and the active roster until he was signed by the Saints to the active roster in 2015. Johnson was an exclusive rights free rights agent, and his contract is for one year and is costed at the league minimum.
Johnson competed with free agent Erik Lorig during training camp last year and won the job but his playing time was reduced after the Saints traded for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. It is likely Johnson will compete with fullback Toben Opurum for a 2016 roster spot.
Glad you are back in the Black and Gold Congrats on the contract #WhoDat
— dOMe_inate (@WhoDatWarriors) February 10, 2016
Thank you. Glad to be back. #WhoDat https://t.co/5icRxFmIEe
— Austin Johnson (@AustinJ40) February 10, 2016
Dannell Ellerbe
Dannell Ellerbe
Ellerbe’s contract was re-negotiated and re-structured today. The restructure of the contract provides $2.7M in cap space. Ellerbe was due a guaranteed salary of $4.1M and a roster bonus of $1M based on his original three-year deal with the Saints. Given the tightness of the Saints cap, the move today makes sense for the club and Ellerbe. Although Ellerbe played only six games last season, his contributions were significant and disruptive when healthy. He saw playing time at the end of the season but it is likely he was not fully healthy. The Saints traded with the Miami Dolphins last year to obtain Ellerbe giving up wide receiver Kenny Stills in the process.
Other New Orleans Saints Roster Moves
Drew Brees and Jairus Byrd receive contract guarantees by the end of the day.
