Saints Sign Former Third Overall Pick QB Harrington
Dissappointment in Detroit and mediocre in Atlanta, Harrington enters backup role behind Brunell

posted September 19, 2008 - print me!
neworleansprofootball.com

The Saints have signed former third overall pick in the 2002 draft, quarterback Joey Harrington.

Out of Oregon, Harrington lasted only four tumultuous years in Detroit, throwing for more than 10000 yards and missing only six games but rarely winning, with a 26-50 record as a starter with the Lions. A posterchild for Detroit's embarassing struggles in the Matt Millen, Harrington's completion percentage was never above 57% and he's never completed a season with more touchdowns than interception.

According to pro-football-reference.com, Harrington has the worst career statistics of a pro quarterback ever.

But this accomplished piano player has a quick release, above average mobility and a sterling character. Those qualities have given Harrington three redemption shots, including the Saints, since those dark days in Detroit.

His completion percentage has gone up each of the past two years, albeit with two lousy teams in the 2006 Dolphins (5-6 as a starter) and the 2007 Falcons (3-7 as a starter). He completed 12 of 18 passes in the October 21, 2007 loss against the Saints in the Superdome, relieving Byron Leftwich. He did not play against the Saints later in the season in Atlanta.

Harrington's positive points are that he does a decent job of avoiding sacks, has a live arm and at this point, significant experience. But his decision making has been his undoing.

Harrington will serve as the third and emergency quarterback for the Saints, who have virtually taken a flier on him as a prospect.

The Saints have apparently given up on on Tyler Palko.

The Saints waived veteran DT Alvin McKinley to make room for Harrington on the 53-man roster.

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