WR David Patten

The Saints have been looking far and wide for a veteran receiver to give experience to their young receiving corps.

David Patten, who will be 33 in August, entered the league in 1997 with the Giants and bounced to Cleveland, New England and Washington before arriving today in New Orleans.

The Saints' top three options, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Terrance Copper, are all 25 years old or younger. The only receiver on the roster that is currently older than 25 is special teamer Michael Lewis, 35.

While in New England from 2001-2004, he was a role player in a dynamic, creative offense through three Super Bowl runs. In 2001 Patten caught, ran for and threw for a touchdown in one game, a midseason 38-17 victory over the Colts. He also caught a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXVI in the Superdome.

At 5'10, 190 pounds, Patten is a natural slot receiver on a team without a darting inside presence with truthworthy possession ability.

His contract is reportedly for one year. The Saints looked closely at other veterans like Keenan McCardell, Brandon Stokley, Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram.

Most importantly, Patten's 10 seasons and extensive playoff experience help replace the veteran presence the Saints lost in Joe Horn.

Patten's recent seasons have been a big dissappointment, however, and he too is looking to find something he's been missing. Always a professional since he arrived out of Western Carolina, Patten missed half of 2005 with a knee injury.

He played in only five games in 2006, and collected only one catch a touchdown early in the season. In training camp Patten finished off his knee rehabilitation in time to catch viral meningitis, was hospitalized and missed the first week of training camp. During the season, a hamstring injury kept him out weeks five through sixteen.

Patten has 65 career starts, 259 career catches for 3761 yards and 20 touchdowns. He's also got a rushing touchdown, a passing touchdown, a passing interception, and a kickoff return touchdown to his credit.