Saints' McAllister signs $50.1 million deal

**michaelmazid** · 07-29-2005, 05:47 PM

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Reuters) - Running back Deuce McAllister has signed an eight-year, $50.1 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL team's history.

Only two NFL running backs have bigger contracts than the 26-year-old McAllister.

San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson agreed to an eight-year, $60 million deal last year and the Washington Redskins' Clinton Portis is in the second season of an eight-year, $50.5 million contract.

McAllister's contract includes $12.5 million in bonuses, the New Orleans Times Picayune reported. He will receive a $7 million signing bonus, a $4 million option bonus in 2006 and a $1.5 million roster bonus in 2006.

"Deuce deserves it," Saints' general manager Mickey Loomis said. "I said to Deuce quite some time ago that we're not going to give you a big deal because you can get 1,200 or 1,400 or 1,600 yards. We're going to get you a big deal because we believe in him as a leader on our team."

McAllister rushed for 1074 yards in 2004 after gaining 1641 in 2003.

**V-Unit** · 07-29-2005, 05:53 PM

Good for him. In the era of free agency, its nice to know that he at least has a chance at playing his whole career in N.O.

**michaelmazid** · 07-29-2005, 06:03 PM

I wish we could have had a power running back like Duce. Dammmmmmmt

**Mr Anderson** · 07-29-2005, 06:03 PM

"V-Unit" wrote:

Good for him. In the era of free agency, its nice to know that he at least has a chance at playing his whole career in N.O.

But who wants to play their whole career in NO?

**PAvikesfan** · 07-29-2005, 06:08 PM

i am not real sure that he is really worth that much...it is not like he helps the team win the big games... he's a good player on a mediocre team.

and it is pretty cool he will probably stay on one team for his whole career, but chances are he won't. even emit smith, gerry rice, joe mantana, etc. didn't stay with the team they loved their whole career.