Saints Add Their Fourth Back?

The New Orleans Saints added what might be the last key piece of their offensive juggernaut by bringing in a running back who is no stranger to the organization.

P.J. Hill, who played at Wisconsin, had signed with the team as an undrafted free agent shortly after the conclusion of the 2009 NFL Draft. Hill impressed in the 2009 preseason, rushing for 128 yards and 3 touchdowns on 26 carries.

However to put Hill’s numbers in perspective 83 of those yards and 2 of those touchdowns were against the Oakland Raiders. Despite his strong preseason performance, Hill was unable to crack the Saints regular season 53-man roster though he was signed to the practice squad.

From there Hill was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles to their active roster but was then released and joined their practice squad. The Washington Redskins signed Hill from their division rival’s practice squad but was waived. Which was how the Saints got him back.

Hill, who stands 5’10” and weighs 218 pounds according to NFL.com, has been described as a “bowling ball” type running back.

Hill will vie to fill the roster spot made vacant when running back Mike Bell joined the Eagles. Though Bell was a restricted free agent, the Saints declined to match the Philadelphia’s contract offer.

The Saints had initially tendered Bell a low-ball deal that did not include draft pick compensation, an indication that the Black and Gold were not interested in retaining his services.

Running back Justin Fargas, who had been released by the Raiders, visited with the Saints in March though an agreement between the team and seven-year veteran power back was not reached.