The Saints are signing running back Terrance West, according to a source who spoke with NFL.com’s Herbie Teope (on Twitter). There was some question on Wednesday as to whether the contract was official, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears that it’s a done deal. West was among the veterans running backs worked out by the Saints this week. 
[RELATED: DeMarco Murray Declines Saints Invitation To Work Out]
If he sticks on the roster, West will help to fill the void left by Mark Ingram‘s four-game suspension. Presumably, this means that the Saints will not be signing the other running backs auditioned this week such as Tim Hightower and Jamaal Charles. The Saints also asked DeMarco Murray to come show his stuff, but he declined the invite.
West is looking to rebound from an injury-shortened campaign in 2017. Although he was the Ravens’ leading rusher in 2016, he’ll be in line for a much more modest role if he makes the 53-man cut in New Orleans.
In 2016, West paced the Ravens’ ball carriers in attempts (193), yards (774) and touchdowns (five). The 26-year-old also added 34 catches for 236 yards and a receiving TD.
Although the complete order is yet to be determined, the Saints’ running back depth chart now consists of Ingram, Alvin Kamara, Trey Edmunds, Daniel Lasco, Boston Scott, Jonathan Williams, and West. Fullback Zach Line is also in the mix, though he’s not a lock to make the roster as his two-year deal contains just $200K in guaranteed money.
Murray declined the invite? I’d love to know the reason why. If it’s for health, I could understand, but c’mon- a good showing there could lead to a job on a good team.
Likely because when Ingham came back he’d be 2nd or 3rd on the depth chart and he feels he’s a starter.
West probably won’t get enough touches to make a case to stick around after Ingram returns.
But what this does for him, is it allows him to stay in football shape in the event another team loses a key piece at the RB position before Week 5. There might be more talented guys on the street for that team to choose from, but him actually being in football shape should make him more desirable than a guy who hasn’t seen the field since 2017.