Four days, four moves. The New Orleans Saints continued ther free agency maneuvering on Friday, agreeing to terms on a one year contract with Linebacker Ramon Humber. A key reserve and special teamer, Humber will enter his fourth full season in New Orleans. He was signed late in the 2010 season after being waived/injured by the Indianapolis Colts.
Though his main role comes on both punt and kick coverage units, Humber did make four starts for the Saints' improved defense in 2013, and totaled 29 tackles and half a sack. He joins Kicker Shayne Graham and Linebacker/Defensive End Keyunta Dawson as players the team has managed to retain. Ramon Humber and Rob Ryan speak during a 2013 game.
Humber and his representatives held discussions earlier this month about a possible return, and the former North Dakota State player was more than happy to hammer out a deal with the Saints. New Orleans needed all the depth they could get at the Linebacker spot in 2013 thanks in large part to injuries to Victor Butler, Jonathan Vilma and Parys Haralson. Humber filled in nicely when called upon and displayed solid skills against the run in Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme. His main role comes on kick coverage, but if the Saints find themselves in a bind for depth at the Linebacker spots again, they know they can count on Humber.
While this signing will not send shockwaves across the news wires, it is another positive transaction for the Saints, as they bring back an in-house veteran who is familiar with how the team wants to play and perform on and off the field. Ramon Humber has carved himself a niche as a Saint and should be poised to continue contributing heading into 2014. Whether it be serving as a sub-package Linebacker, a special teams coverage demon or recovering onside kicks, Humber has shown his value to the Saints and they will gladly welcome him back next season.
