Marques Colston sticks with Saints

One of the big names in free agency is off the board.

The New Orleans Saints have struck a deal to keep Marques Colston, one of Drew Brees’ top wide receivers, in place. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported the sides reached agreement on a five-year contract.

Colston is coming off a career-high 1,143-yard season. The former seventh-round pick has been remarkably productive for New Orleans and he wanted to keep a good thing going. Because the Saints are challenged by the salary cap, this could make it problematic for them to also retain the services of All-Pro guard Carl Nicks, who is looking for a market-setting deal.

This also means there could be more competition for Vincent Jackson and Pierre Garcon.

Stay tuned.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune