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According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the New Orleans Saints are bringing back defensive back and special teamster Chris Banjo on a two-year deal.
Saints and DB Chris Banjo agree to a two-year deal, source says. Deal keeps a top special-teamer in the fold. Was a restricted FA.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2017
Banjo, who was a restricted free agent, was originally signed by the Saints in mid-November of last season in a move that may have been triggered by an imminent Kenny Vaccaro suspension. Of course, it didn’t happen until the final four games of the season. Banjo was a former special teams captain and standout with the Green Bay Packers in 2015, but didn’t have the same luck in 2016.
Banjo was placed on injured reserve by the Packers at the end of October, and was ultimately released with an injury settlement on Oct. 31. Banjo didn’t see any action on defense for Dennis Allen’s squad, but did log 120 snaps on special teams.
The Saints have some 63 players under contract from the Tuesday morning NFLPA records, and look to add more with free agency on the horizon. The NFL’s legal tampering period opened today, which permits a club to negotiate with agents for impending free agents.
Other restricted free agents tendered by the Saints include Willie Snead and Brandon Coleman.