New Orleans Saints A-to-Z Roster Breakdown: RB Ladell Betts

Quick-take: Ladell Betts was signed by the Saints after his release from the Washington Redskins in August of 2010, after the team lost running back Lynell Hamilton (ACL) for the year during joint practices with the New England Patriots.

Betts spent the preseason with the team before being cut in the final roster trim before the seasons start.

He was re-signed later in September after Reggie Bush broke his fibula during a game against the San Francisco 49ers in week two.

Ladell rushed 45 times for 150 yards with two touchdowns to go with 23 catches for 141 yards in eight games. He suffered a kneck injury in week eleven and was placed on injured reserve.

• College: University of Iowa
• Position: Running Back
• Age/Height/Weight: 31 years old, 5-11, 225 pounds.
• Status: Backup

Breakdown: Experience was sorely lacking in the free agent pool least season after the Saints were left looking for availible running backs once Lynell Hamilton was officially lost, increasing Betts stock with the Saints tremendously.

Betts agreed to sign with the Saints one a one-year deal worth at least 750K, the Texans, 49ers and Broncos also were pushing for Betts before he decided to sign with the then current Superbowl champs.

Betts was a second round pick of the Redskins in 2002 and was released March 4th after head coach Mike Shanahan took over the struggling franchise and stocked it with a bevy of veteran running backs.

Betts had his best season as a pro in 2006 when he rushed for 1,154 yards on 245 carries with four touchdowns after taking over primary rushing responsibilities in Washington. He has a career rushing average of 4.1 yards per carry.

A true north and south power runner his style matches up well with the Saints needs for a true power back, long absent in the Saints offense.

But his opening audition last season didn’t end will after an injured reserve designation and a 3.3 yard per carry average.

Betts seemingly doesn’t stand much chance at making the Saints final roster in 2011 with addition of Alabama running back Mark Ingram and the teams retention of Pierre Thomas.

He will be an unresrticted free agent when the league finally resumes operations, which could be as soon as next week, and the Saints must decide if they want to re-sign Betts and give him a chance at making the roster or let him walk in free agency.

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