SAINTS SIGN FB SAM GASH TO ONE-YEAR DEAL
March 16, 2004
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have added one of the NFL's top fullbacks to their backfield with the signing of two-time Pro Bowl FB Sam Gash to a one-year contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice-President/General Manager Mickey Loomis.
Gash, 6-feet, 242 pounds, has ranked among the league's best fullbacks over the last decade, including being selected to the Pro Bowl in 1998 and 1999. Known for his rugged play and strong leadership, Gash started 10-of-16 games for the Buffalo Bills in 2003 and had 11 receptions for 83 yards. While the 13-year veteran is an accomplished receiver and can earn the tough yards between the tackles, Gash has forged a reputation throughout the league for his hard-nosed blocking.
In his career, Gash has started 78 of 177 regular-season games and has also appeared in 11 postseason contests with seven starts, including Super Bowl XXXV as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. He helped Baltimore set a team record with 2,199 rushing yards that season, and in 1999 in his first stint with Buffalo became the first back ever selected to the Pro Bowl without recording a rushing attempt.
Gash entered the NFL in 1992 as an eighth round pick out of Penn State by the New England Patriots, where he played for six seasons (1992-97). He spent 1998-99 with Buffalo before playing for the Ravens from 2000-02, then re-joined the Bills in 2003.
The Saints have also released three players: CB Dale Carter, DT Kevin Watson and K Matt Simonton.