The Saints have have retained one of Drew Brees’ favorite weapons, locking up wide receiver Marques Colston with a five-year deal that can reach up to $40 million with just less than $20 million guaranteed.

Colston came with some red flags, approaching age 30 and with a history of knee issues, but his signing adds stability in an otherwise rocky offseason for New Orleans.

How this affects the deep free-agent market at wide receiver remains to be seen. Colston wasn’t high on the wish lists of many teams, and Vincent Jackson, Josh Morgan or Laurent Robinson might present more attractive options.

“This is a good deal for Colston,” NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi said. ”Colston’s comfortable in that enviornment. They paid him the going rate for what it was and I think he wasn’t looking to go anywhere else as long as he got the right deal for himself.”

Follow Jason La Canfora on Twitter @JasonLaCanfora.

Posted in: Jason La Canfora  | comments  |