Former Navy star running back Kyle Eckel won a Super Bowl ring with the New Orleans Saints last month, but it appears the restricted free agent might be done in the Big Easy.
The Saints have not tendered an offer to the fullback, who was signed during the season to replace injured starter Heath Evans. According to Jeff Evans of the Times Picayune, “it looks as though the club is not interested in bringing back” Eckel, who is one of only four restricted free agents not tendered an offer by the Saints. Meanwhile, New Orleans has signed an another free agent fullback for a bargain price, which is probably another sign the team will be moving in a diffferent direction.
The Saints rarely used a fullback during their playoff run, though Eckel did see a good deal of snaps in the team’s playoff victory over Arizona. He was also in on a failed third-and-goal running play (but made a solid block) on the second-quarter drive where the Colts stopped the Saints on fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line.
Kicked out of the Navy in 2006, Eckel has played for four teams since his military commitment abruptly ended — Miami, New England, Philadelphia and New Orleans. His younger brother Kevin is now attending the Naval Academy and playing football.
