C.J. Spiller signs 4-year deal with New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints signed former Buffalo Bills running C.J. Spiller to give their offense another threat in a crowded backfield.
The first week of the new league year has been a hectic one for the Saints who released Curtis Lofton and Pierre Thomas, traded Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks and traded ascending young receiver, Kenny Stills to the Miami Dolphins.
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But one day after signing defensive back Brandon Browner to a free agent deal, the Saints added a dynamic playmaker for their offense, agreeing to a deal with former Buffalo Bills running back, C.J. Spiller, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Spiller, 27, joins a backfield that already included Khiry Robinson and Mark Ingram who re-signed with the team earlier this month.
Saints reached agreement with former Bills RB CJ Spiller. Saints backfield getting crowded: Spiller, Mark Ingram, Khiry Robinson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2015
Saints are giving RB C.J. Spiller a 4-year, $18 million deal that includes $9 million guaranteed, per source. Last year of deal can void.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2015
Spiller was limited to nine games and five starts last year before suffering a broken collarbone. Spiller rushed for 300 yards on 78 carries and tied his career-low with a 3.8 yards per carry average and didn’t score a rushing touchdown all season.
He added 19 receptions for 195 yards and one receiving touchdown and returned 10 kicks for 306 yards, including one touchdown. He split time with Fred Jackson in Buffalo so he should be accustomed to sharing the load and should be a nice addition to form a tandem with Ingram and Robinson.
Spiller’s best season came in 2012 when he ran for a career-high 1,244 yards for a six yards per carry average and had six touchdowns. He also added 43 receptions for 459 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver en route to his only Pro Bowl appearance.
The former No. 9 overall pick out of Clemson in the 2010 NFL Draft, Spiller finds a new home with a creative and explosive offense in year’s past, but with the losses of Graham and Stills, Spiller will be counted on playing a large role and returning to his 2012 form.
Next: NFL Free Agents list: Best available by position
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