Saints Sign Former College Basketball Player Chris Manhertz

The New Orleans Saints signed tight end Chris Manhertz today, filling the vacant spot left open by the waiving of tight end Michael Egnew according to multiple reports.

Manhertz, 23, is a former college basketball player out of Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. He signed a future/reserve contract with the Buffalo Bills last December, but was waived during Bills training camp last week.

While playing college ball at Canisius from 2010-2014, the 6'6, 255 lb tight end was a three-time team captain and led the squad in rebounding for three straight years.

Signing former college basketball players to play football isn't unusual in the NFL, a fad started by the success of All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers.

Former Saints tight end Jimmy Graham played 4 years of college basketball at the University of Miami, and only one season of football before New Orleans took him in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL draft.

Manhertz joins Ben Watson, Josh Hill, Orson Charles and Alex Smith on the current tight ends depth chart in New Orleans.