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Tony McDaniel | My journey to becoming a New Orleans Saint



Editor’s note: Veteran defensive lineman Tony McDaniel recently signed with the New Orleans Saints. He has written a first-person story for FanRag Sports, as told to NFL writer Bill Williamson, on his free-agent experience.

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It was an interesting free agency for me. When it started in March, I didn’t know how it would play out or how long it would take for me to find my new NFL home. I’ve been a free agent in the past and I always signed early in the process.

It turned out that I had to wait three months this time, but in the end, it’s crazy how quickly it all came together. The New Orleans Saints called with interest and before I knew it, I was there for minicamp and then I signed. So, in my 12th NFL season, I am joining my sixth team. (I was a Seattle Seahawk twice.)

The way I joined the Saints was interesting. They had me participate in their minicamp last week on a tryout basis. I never even knew that was possible in the NFL. I’ve never seen it before.

I know some people were surprised that someone with my experience was asked to go to a three-day tryout before signing. I even had a family member ask me about it, saying that I was a veteran and I shouldn’t have to do something like a tryout, but I didn’t look at it like that.

I looked it as an opportunity and as a blessing. Even after all of these years, I appreciate any opportunity I can get. I know a lot of guys never get one opportunity.

Also, maybe my willingness to go through the minicamp on a tryout impressed the coaches that a vet would do that. They obviously like what I did because I ended up signing there.

I’m beyond excited about this opportunity. I really liked the scheme they were running in minicamp. I think I’m a good fit for it and I think I can make a lot of plays. They expect their defensive linemen to play with speed and I think that is my game.

I went to the school at Tennessee and I’m from South Carolina, so it’s good to be back in the South. The Saints are a contending team. I was in Seattle last year and being on a contender is my standard. So, I have a lot of expectations.

I’m also really excited about playing with quarterback Drew Brees and running back Adrian Peterson in New Orleans. To be with two future Hall of Famers is a blessing. Watching them play offense is going to energize me while I’m on the sidelines. It’s just another reason why I’m excited about being a Saint.

Now, while I wait for training camp to start, I will work on my cardio a lot to prepare for training camp. I did most of my weightlifting work earlier in the offseason. Overall, I’m ready to start this new chapter in New Orleans. It’s really a good situation for me and I can’t wait to get started.

AsylumGuido

Sounds to me like he has confidence that he will make the roster and become a contributor.

joker-saint

These two say it all

jeanpierre

He's always been solid in one-on-ones, the disappointment with him is with his measurables, he lacks the anchor to take on double teams...

However, that may be moot because of the talent, even without Fairley, accumulated along the line...

With each man doing his job, if there's a double team, the other players have the talent individually to make those teams pay...