NFL Draft Updates 2016: Coby Fleener Signs $36 Million Contract With New Orleans Saints

By Carlo Monzon
Coby Fleener
Coby Fleener, a player on the National Football League. Wikimedia Commons/Jeffrey Beall

Coby Fleener has officially joined the New Orleans Saints as its new tight end. According to the details of the deal, the 27-year-old athlete signed a five-year, $36 million contract with the team.

Before debuting at the NFL, Fleener played for Stanford University. As a college football star, Fleener worked with Andrew Luck, the former quarterback for the university's team.

"He can do so many things very, very well," Luck said about his former teammate according to NOLA.com. "He creates, I think, such a tough match-up problem [for defenses]."

Fleener then joined the NFL after he was then drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 as its 34th pick during the second round. Luck was also drafted by the team during the same year but during the first round. Fleener stayed with the team until 2015 while Luck is still expected to start off next season as the Colts' quarterback.

As a tight end, Fleener is more known for his pass-catch abilities rather than his blocks. During his time with the Colts, he earned a total of 183 receptions for 2,154 yards as well as 17 touchdowns, ESPN Go reported.

According to the sports news site, Fleener will serve as the official replacement for Benjamin Watson, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.

Watson started his NFL career after joining the New England Patriots in 2004. He stayed with the team until 2009 then transferred to the Cleveland Browns in 2010. He played for the team for two years before joining the Saints.

During his las season with the Saints, he managed to earn 74 receptions for 825 yards. His best performance with the team happened during the eight week of the season as the Saints faced off against the New York Giants. In the game, Watson was able to secure nine passes for 147 yards. He also scored a touchdown.

As for other news about players of the Saints, a source indicated that the team has agreed to retain tight end Michael Hoomanawanui for three more years. Details of the deal, however, are still unclear and it is not yet confirmed if both parties have already signed a contract.

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