Saints sign offensive tackle Gandy

[The_Philster]

NEW ORLEANS (March 2, 2003 5:21 p.m. EST) - The New Orleans Saints signed free-agent left tackle Wayne Gandy to a six-year contract on Sunday.

The 6-foot-5, 308-pound Gandy played with the Steelers last season, and started every game since he joined the team in 1999. He missed just one start with the Rams, who drafted him in 1994 with the 15th overall pick.

"Whenever you get a chance to bring in a top notch player you do it, and getting Wayne in here will make us better," Saints coach Jim Haslett said. "He brings a combination of athleticism, polished pass protection techniques and run-blocking strength."...more (http://www.sportserver.com/football/nfl/story/788807p-5642635c.html)

[The_Philster]

Offensive tackle Wayne Gandy ended more than two days of suspense by accepting and signing a six-year, $30 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Included in the deal is a $5 million signing bonus.

In what turned out to be a busy and productive day, the Saints also signed Chargers middle linebacker Orlando Ruff and cornerback Ashley Ambrose on Sunday.

The Steelers tried to retain Gandy, but their offer of $3 million per year did not prove to be enough. Gandy was contacted by the Saints after free agency began early Friday morning. The Dolphins also wanted to sign him.

But the $5 million-a-year offer was too much for Gandy to reject. The Dolphins, another team courting Gandy, weren't willing to go into the $4 million range....more (http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2003/0302/1517066.html)