The New Orleans Saints have signed defensive lineman Evander “Ziggy” Hood, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
With Sheldon Rankins being on the physically unable to perform list as he recovers from a torn Achilles and with David Onyemata set to miss the first game of the regular season due to a suspension, Hood may end up seeing some playing time early if he impresses this summer.
Hood split the 2018 campaign between the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins, playing in 12 games and logging nine tackles.
The 32-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Missouri, was originally selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round (32nd pick overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.
He went on to appear in all 16 contests during his rookie year but had a limited impact, logging eight tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.
Article Continues BelowOverall, Hood was a bit of a disappointment with the Steelers, as he was unable to land a full-time starting role until his third season, when he totaled 35 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
He spent the first five years of his career in Pittsburgh, with his most productive season coming in 2012 when he tallied 42 tackles, three sacks, and a couple of fumble recoveries.
After his time with the Steelers, Hood moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars for one year in 2014, recording 24 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. He then spent one season with the Chicago Bears and two years as a starter for the Washington Redskins in 2016 and 2017.
The Saints won 13 games and made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game this past year before falling to the Los Angeles Rams.