Danno

Saints Agree To Terms With Te Boo Williams On Three-year Contract
For Immediate Release: Jan. 22, 2004

Securing the services of an emerging player who became a top weapon for the offense when he moved into the starting lineup, the New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms with tight end Boo Williams on a three-year contract, it was announced today by General Manager Mickey Loomis.

Williams, who was going to be a restricted free agent, started the last six games of 2003 after a season-ending injury to Ernie Conwell. Williams responded by hauling in 29 passes for 347 yards (11.9-average) and four touchdowns over those final six games, leading the team in catches over that span. He finished the season with a career-high 41 receptions for 436 yards and five TDs, the highest totals for a Saints’ tight end since 1998.

“Working with Williams on a contract extension was a priority for us entering the off-season, not only because of his production but also because of his potential,� said Loomis. “After playing wide receiver at Arkansas, he has worked extremely hard to become an NFL tight end. He just started showing what he was capable of over the last half of the season as both a receiver and a blocker. Boo really stepped up when Conwell went down, and we expect more from him in the future.�

Williams set career highs with nine catches for 110 yards at Philadelphia on Nov. 23, his first game as the club’s first-team tight end. It was the first of three-straight games with a TD grab, one shy of the franchise record shared by many.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2001 after a stellar career at wide receiver at the University of Arkansas, Williams put on over 20 pounds as part of his conversion to tight end and polished his blocking skills. He opened his NFL career on the New Orleans practice squad, but has started 14 games since his rookie season and played in 43 contests, with 74 catches for 781 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“Boo is the kind of player you want to reward for his efforts, and this was a deal that (Saints Senior Football Administrator) Russ Ball really worked hard on to get right,� said Loomis. “Boo came into our system as a raw talent who had played another position, but through his own hard work became a real contributor. With the same kind of dedication that he has shown in the past, we believe Boo will have a bright future.�

When Williams signs, it will maintain the solid mix of youth and experience that the Saints have at tight end. He is joined at the position by Conwell (eight-year NFL veteran), rugged blocker Walter Rasby (10-year veteran) and Zachary Hilton, a promising talent who just completed his rookie season. The Saints’ tight ends combined for 73 receptions for 781 yards and seven TDs in 2003.

saintfan

This is great news! I\'ve liked Boo from day 1! Now lets get Howard signed and then see about upgrading the defense.

JKool

When we let Hawthorne go, he said something to the following effect: no one flourishes in N.O.. Boo Williams is a counter example (and there are others, like L. Glover, J. Horn, and S. Knight).

I\'m so glad we signed Boo. He is the kind of player who reminds me that no matter how poorly things go in some areas of our beloved organization, somethings do go well - very well. Boo is actually a sign that some part of our coaching staff is doing their job, and doing it well: as noted, Boo did play another position, the coaches trained him, motivated him, and now gave him a chance (though injury did play a role there - sadly). Each year I look forward to the Boo\'s of this club.

I say congratulations to Boo - he worked hard. I also say \"thank you\" for being a bright light that points us to the things that are good.

"... I was beating them with my eyes the whole game..." - Aaron Brooks