Saints to bring back tight end John Phillips, report says

According to The Advocate’s Nick Underhill, the New Orleans Saints are bringing back veteran tight end John Phillips. Reportedly, it’s a one-year deal from Herbie Teope of The Times-Picayune.

Phillips, who will turn 30 in June, played in 8 games for the Saints in 2016 after injuries piled up at the position. He was primarily known for being a special teams presence after being claimed off waivers from Denver in early November, but hauled in five catches for 32 yards on seven targets.

Phillips was originally a sixth-round choice of the Dallas Cowboys from 2009, and spent time with the Chargers (2013-2015) and Broncos (2016) before joining the Saints. He’s also a good blocking presence, and saw 217 snaps (18.8 percent) on offense for Sean Payton.

The Saints have Coby Fleener, who looks to become more of a threat for the Saints offense, along with Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanwanui (both coming off of injuries). There’s also second-year players Garrett Griffin and Jake Stoneburner. Don’t count them out from drafting one or bringing in an undrafted rookie free agent either.