New Orleans Saints signs receiver Brandon Marshall

The New Orleans Saints have gone from a triple receiver three times in the Pro Bowl to a six-timer Monday, signing with veteran Brandon Marshall a one-year contract to replace Dez Bryant.

Sean Payton confirmed the signing on Monday.

When asked what he liked about Marshall's training session, Mr. Payton said, "He has moved well. He is intelligent, he has experience, he has been in many systems. another big target. "

Both receivers auditioned for the Saints last Tuesday. And sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN that the saints were sufficiently impressed by Marshall's training to consider having him signed even before Bryant tore his Achilles at training on Friday.

When asked if the saints were looking for some type of receiver, Marshall and Bryant being both larger targets in the red zone, Payton replied, "Yes, I thought size was important, but Experience and someone we consider to have strong hands. "

It will be Marshall's fourth team in two years and the seventh of his 13-year career after being released by the Seattle Seahawks on October 30 and by the New York Giants in April. But if he stays in New Orleans, the 34-year-old will finally have the chance to play his first game in the playoffs.

Marshall (6-foot-5, 232-pound) has 970 career receptions for 12,351 yards and 83 touchdowns. And his six seasons of more than 100 receptions are the best in the history of the NFL. But its production has dropped considerably in the last two years.

Marshall had only 11 receptions for 136 yards and one touchdown in seven games with Seattle. Last season, he had only 18 catches for 154 yards and zero touchdowns in five games with the Giants before landing at the reserve after being injured in the ankle.

The Saints obviously do not need Marshall to have a major impact on their attack since they have won eight straight games and are leading the NFL with 36.7 points per game. But they have very little experience at the catcher post after placing Ted Ginn Jr., Cameron Meredith and Bryant on the wounded list last month.

Michael Thomas is tied for the lead in the NFL with 78 catches. He is the only receiver of the Saints with more than 12 catches this season.

Marshall could be useful in the red zone and in the third try – a role that Bryant had to play before injuring his Achilles just two days after accepting a one – year contract with the Saints.

Marshall, a fourth-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2006, also played with the Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears and New York Jets. His last outstanding season was marked by the Jets in 2015, when he captured 109 passes for 1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns.