Saints Who Need to Play Well in 2016 to Be Back in 2017

TIM HIGHTOWER, #3 RUNNING BACK

Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower (34) celebrates as he scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Running back Tim Hightower ranked right up there with cornerback Delvin Breaux’s feel good, comeback story in 2015.

Who Dats and media alike rooted for him to return to the filed and resurrect his career that some had written his obituary for.

Although he was released at the beginning of the season, Hightower returned after injuries hit the position and he made the most of it and racked up 504 yards rushing and receiving to go along with four touchdowns in just eight games.

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When the offseason came it felt like a no brainer that they’d re-sign him after the exit of Khiry Robinson in free agency.

It didn’t happen so quickly and when he did return it was only on a one-year, $840,000 contract when it looked like he had gained enough attention to get at least a two year deal at the minimum from any NFL team looking for running back help.

Hightower appears to be on the road to prove himself again in order to be in the Saints plans going forward.

Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller (28) in injured in the first quarter of their game against the Detroit Lions at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

With Mark Ingram at the tip of the backfield spear, Hightower will also have the likes of C.J. Spiller in front of him who is also wanting some redemption following a disappointing year that started with promise.

Also in the way for his future in New Orleans, Hightower will have to go against 2016 seventh round pick Daniel Lasco and Travaris Cadet — whom the Saints brought back for two games at the end of the 2015 season following his departure at the beginning of the year.

Next: The 5 Most Important Saints on Defense in 2016

Cadet was mainly used as a receiving threat in the offense but Lasco could give Hightower a run for his money literally after displaying that he’s a fast, shifty running and receiving back to go along with his special teams skills.

While none of the ones I’ve mentioned besides Brees or Unger could receive a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal, there is still plenty riding on their roster spot as well as how they perform this season…….