Saints sign Porter; only Ellis remains

• By SHELDON MICKLES
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Jul 26, 2008 - Page: 2C - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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JACKSON, Miss.—It’s five down and one big one to go.

That’s how the New Orleans Saints’ draft class stood Friday after cornerback Tracy Porter, their second-round pick, signed a four-year contract worth about $4.2 million according to published reports.

The signing of Porter, a Port Allen High School graduate, leaves just defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis out going into the third day of training camp today. Ellis was the Saints’ top pick and the seventh overall selection in the draft this spring.

Porter, an All-Big 10 selection who had six interceptions as a senior and 16 in his career, was on the field Friday afternoon. He worked with the second- and third-team defenses in his first action after missing three training camp practices, breaking up a nice pass intended for wide receiver Todd Blythe.

“You never want to be away from your team because you want to develop chemistry and learn the playbook as much and as often as possible,” Porter said. “I definitely think it’s a great thing I didn’t miss too many practices. I know there’s stiff competition. Those three (practices) could set you back for a while.”

Porter said he expects Ellis to sign soon, especially after Vernon Gholston, the player picked one spot before Ellis, signed with the New York Jets late Thursday night.

“I’ve talked to him. He and I are good friends, I’ve hung out with him,” Porter said. “He’s off right now doing his thing making sure he comes to camp in tip-top shape.”

To open a spot on the 80-man roster, the Saints terminated the contract of veteran tight end Eric Johnson.

Johnson was put on the non-football injury list after reporting to camp with an ankle injury that he suffered in February.

He caught 48 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns last year.

Tough day
Reggie Bush had a rough day during the morning practice, muffing two kicks from free agent punter Waylon Prather. Bush fielded only three punts last season because he had to focus on being the featured running back after Deuce McAllister was lost for the season in Week 3.

“I’m sure he felt disappointed that he dropped a few,” coach Sean Payton said.

“He’s been pretty sure-handed as a returner in regards to catching the ball. He stayed another 10 minutes (after practice) to work on that. He looked a little rusty though. I think that’s fair to say.”