Saints Sign CB Randall Gay to 4-Year Deal Worth Up to $17.8 Million

The New Orleans Saints' pass defense couldn't get much worse last year, and looking to improve upon an achilles' heal in the secondary, have signed free agent corner back Randall Gay to a 4-year deal worth up to $17.8 million, including a $3.75 million signing bonus. Gay stands to make $6.7 million in the first 2 years of the contract, and that could increase to as much as $9 million, based on playing-time triggered incentive clauses.

Coming to the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent signing in 2004, Gay has been a decent but not spectacular player in New England's system, and will look to break out in a possible full-time starting role with the Saints. After growing up in Louisiana and playing the nickel back (3rd cornerback) on LSU's 2003 national title winning team, Gay often filled in for injured starters on the Patriots the past four years, including 14 starts.

The signing of Gay most likely means the end of the road for former free agent acquisition Jason David, whom last year signed a 4-year $15.6 million contract, and was promptly burned time and time again last year like a piece of bread permanently stuck in a toaster. David was a restricted free agent at the time, so the Saints ended up surrendering a 4th round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft when the Indianapolis Colts chose not to match the Saints' offer, which will go down in New Orleans annals as another wasted pick. Exact numbers of David's deal aren't known at this time, but the remaining portion of his small signing bonus would accelerate to the current year, and count against this year's $116 million salary cap if he/when he is released.