University of Tennessee Athletics
Stallworth Signs With Saints
July 30, 2002 | Football
July 29, 2002
THIBODAUX, La. (AP) - The New Orleans Saints got a double bonus Monday: First-round draft pick Donte Stallworth signed a contract, and quarterback Aaron Brooks showed up.
Stallworth, a wide receiver from Tennessee chosen with the 13th overall pick, got a six-year deal.
Brooks, the team's starting QB, arrived at training camp after missing three days. General manager Mickey Loomis said Saturday the quarterback was unhappy going into the final year of his contract.
The final season of Brooks' contract was originally worth $350,000. When the collective bargaining agreement extension between the league and players' union kicked in after last season, his salary jumped to the new minimum of $450,000.
Drafted by the Green Bay Packers and later acquired by the Saints, Brooks is coming off his first full season as a starter.
He completed 55.9 percent of his passes for 3,832 yards and a team-record 26 touchdowns. He also set team records for rushing yards by a quarterback (358) and total yards (4,190), but also threw 22 interceptions.
In the team's final four games - all losses - Brooks threw 13 interceptions and only seven touchdowns while the Saints were outscored 160-52.
