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Imagine you're Steve Breaston. A week ago you're home in Woodland Hills, Pa., wondering if you're NFL career is in jeopardy. Days later you're in New Orleans catching passes from Drew Brees and staring at a golden opportunity to be the No. 3 receiver for the New Orleans Saints.

Not a bad turn of events for the veteran receiver, who was on the street and recently was beaten out for a job with the Detroit Lions by Chaz Schilens.

Breaston must feel like the guy who tried to rent a Ford Focus and was upgraded to a Cadillac.

"I'm in a blessed situation here, I know that," Breaston said Wednesday. "Now I've just got to take advantage of the opportunity so I can stay here."

Breaston knows his good fortune is tied to Joe Morgan's misfortune. The third-year speedster's season-ending knee injury was the impetus for the Saints' call to Breaston's agent, Eric Metz, this weekend.

That a receiver of Breason's caliber remained on the street this late is summer is rare. Breaston averaged 60 catches and 805 yards a season for the Cardinals and Chiefs from 2008 to 2011. He also shined on punt and kickoff returns. Then his production dropped dramatically last season and the Chiefs cut him loose in February. Breaston received interest from the Steelers and Lions but failed to land a job until now.

Teams likely were scared off by a knee condition that slowed Breaston last season. Inflammation and early arthritic conditions led Breaston to reportedly consider a Regenokine knee procedure that Kobe Bryant and Alex Rodriguez underwent in Germany to revive their careers. Breaston ultimately decided to forgo the treatment and was training in New York and Pennsylvania when the Saints called.

"To me, (the knee) wasn't a problem," Breaston said. "I feel healthy. I'm out here running. I'm doing the things I normally do.
"The challenge for me is to go out there and show them I can still do it."

Breaston has never played in an offense as dynamic as the one in New Orleans. He hasn't played with a quarterback remotely as talented as Drew Brees since 2009 when he teamed with Kurt Warner in Arizona. (Breaston caught four passes for 52 yards in the Cardinals' 45-14 loss to the Saints in the 2010 NFC divisional playoffs.)

The third receiver for the Saints is almost like a 12th starter. He has caught an average of 35 passes in Payton's offense during his seven-year tenure.

In year's past, the Saints' third receiver has been a deep threat ala Morgan.

Breaston lacks Morgan's deep speed. He played primarily in the slot with the Cardinals and Chiefs. He's similar in body build and playing style to Atlanta's Harry Douglas and Seattle's Percy Harvin.

"His workout was good," Payton said. "He's a guy that can play inside, a guy that can run. ... We'll see how he fits into our system."

For most of Payton's tenure, the Saints have had multiple deep threats to send at opposing defenses. First it was Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson. Last year Morgan joined Henderson after Meachem bolted for San Diego in free agency.

The dual-exhaust system keeps defenses honest and allows Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham and Lance Moore to work their magic on the intermediate and short routes.

Morgan flashed the speed and playmaking skills last season to become the next Henderson or Meachem. He averaged 40 yards a catch and made arguably the most spectacular TD catch of last season when he snared a 48-yard bomb from Brees to spark a comeback win against at Tampa Bay.

Morgan's injury will force a recalibration of the Saints' playbook. The only speed-burners left on the roster are unproven free agents Saalim Hakim and Jarred Fayson. Neither has caught a pass in an NFL game.

If Breaston lands the job, the Saints' offense could look a lot like it did in 2007 when David Patten was the third receiver behind Colston and Moore.

"There are other things that a guy might bring to the table that are different than what Joe might do," Brees said. "We'll take those skill sets and incorporate in what they do best. That's how we structure the offense and the game plans.

Stills has shown the versatility and talent to become a factor, but he's also just a rookie. The only rookie receiver to make an immediate impact in Payton's system was Colston, and he was a notable exception.

That's why Breaston was signed. If his knee is sound, he'll likely get a long look at the third receiver spot and will be lining up next to Moore and Colston for a good portion of the Saints' offensive snaps. Not a bad landing spot for a guy who was on the street just a few days ago.

"It's a great opportunity," Breaston said. "I understand my situation and what's here already. There's a lot of talent on this team.

"I'm just appreciative of the opportunity and trying to be a piece to the puzzle."


Steve Breaston could be solution to New Orleans Saints' problem at third receiver | NOLA.com

Rugby Saint II

We'll know a little more come Friday.

halloween 65

Shoot something in the knee and go about business like I do. I have liked this guy for a while, makes tough catches and has soft hands.

westbankdaze

Yup. I will be watching that closely. Fr that matter there is so much to see tomorrow night. It may be one of the more entertaining preseasons we've had in recent years.

The Dude

I think he will shine in this offense. Could wind up being for the best. He was solid for Warner.

homerj07

For us the fans & the team as a whole - kick ass man!