New Saints Linebacker Talks Free Agent Process, Team Reputation

Littleton has been in the league for 8 seasons. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams and went on to join three more teams in the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers and most recently the Houston Texans. Days before the Texans were set to compete against the Panthers last week, Littleton was informed that he had been released by Houston.

The former Washington Husky gave me some insight into his release and subsequent signing in what sounded like a tumultuous week for he and his family. "I literally had my kids out (in Houston) for Halloween," Littleton told me. "They had two days off of school, so we had them out there. (The Texans) cut me and I said 'Well, why would we trick or treat out here?' and we flew back to San Diego. They got to be with their little cousins and stuff. We also had a Halloween event going down in San Diego, like a charity event at a local high school."

Often times we overlook the personal life impact of players being cut or traded. Early this season, now-Minnesota vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs gave a great look into the impact of trade when we was moved from the Cleveland Browns to the Arizona Cardinals. And his story is just one of many across the league. For Littleton, the news the Saints were interested in him was a welcome bit of news after he and his children went from San Diego to Las Vegas.

"Wednesday morning I catch a 6:30 a.m. flight out of San Diego to Las Vegas," Littleton said. "We ended up not having the kids go to school because were all dog tired. So I take a nap. I wake up to multiple messages from my agent talking about the Saints reaching out. I call them and I said 'Go ahead with it!'" And they set me up a flight literally an hour later."

The newly-signed Littleton arrived at the Saints facility Thursday morning after his overnight flight. He attended practice immediately that day.

Needless to say it was a whirlwind week for Littleton, but thanks to the expanded practice squad rules, it ends with him landing with a team looking for a talented linebacker. New Orleans had just lost its veteran practice squad linebacker with Jaylon Smith being signed away by the Raiders. No better fitting way to respond to that than reuniting yet another former Raiders with some of his old teammates.

"I called Jon (Abram) because I knew he was here," Littleton said. " We've got John, (Derek Carr), Foster (Moreau), Cam (Erving) and freaking (Lynn) Bowden. Everyone else you just know through reputation and playing throughout the years."

Among the players who's reputation proceeded Littleton joining the squad were linebacker Demario Davis and quarterback Jameis Winston. "I'm on the phone telling my friends that I'm signing with the Saints," Littleton explained with a smile. "One of my friends, we literally said it at the same time, 'we just want to hear a Jameis speech!'"

Clearly Winston's reputation as a leader has not faded over the years of him no longer being a starter in the league. His notion of his reputation as a leader and being meaningful to the locker rooms he has been a part of was met with a hearty "For sure." from Littleton.

And even with eight years in the league, it was interesting to hear that there is still a level of surprise for being recognized by other players. This is Littleton's first time joining a practice squad, but it does not come with anything but appreciation. "It was actually kind of cool showing up here today," he said. "With all the big-named players or whatever, they actually recognized me and I was like 'Ooooh'" His excited exclamation told its own story of joy and grace.

Another person whose reputation Littleton spoke on what that of head coach Dennis Allen. Most notably his impact on maintaining defensive excellence in New Orleans, a standard that Littleton has seen up close and personal during his years of experience. "I've been playing the Saints for a long time," he said. "This organization is known for having a defense he has kept that going so strong. I'm just happy to have the opportunity. Hopefully to even get defensive reps. If not, I'm just happy to be on the squad for sure."

We will see as the time goes whether or not Littleton gets reps on the defensive side of the ball at any point this season. But if nothing else, it is clear he has found a new landing spot about which he is excited. "Whatever role I'm given," he told me. "I'm just happy to be in it.