Tight end Foster Moreau signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the New Orleans Saints Wednesday, less than two months after he was diagnosed with cancer. Moreau will join quarterback Derek Carr, his former Raiders teammate, when he can return to action full-time.
Moreau learned about his cancer diagnosis during a physical exam conducted by Saints personnel. He described the diagnosis as a miracle.
“Through somewhat of a miraculous process, this Free Agency period has been life changing for me,” Moreau said in a tweet after receiving the news. “During a routine physical conducted by the Saint’s medical team down in New Orleans, I’ve come to learn that I have Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and will be stepping away from football at this time to fight a new opponent: Cancer. I’m grateful for the support and thankful for people who have stood firm with me.”
Terms of the contract were disclosed to ESPN by agent Joe Linta, who also reported that Moreau has received encouraging results following treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He has been cleared to return to the football field next week.
Moreau, a New Orleans native, came into the league in 2019 after four seasons at LSU, where he caught the attention of NFL scouts after being invited to the Senior Bowl in his final season. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round of that year’s NFL Draft and earned a starting role in his rookie season. Though he served primarily as a blocking tight end, he also caught five touchdowns on 21 receptions.
Though it is unclear how soon Moreau can make a full recovery, his clearance to return to action is a clear sign that he is in relatively good condition. The Saints will begin offseason workouts on May 23, and though he has been cleared to return, the extent to which he will participate is unclear.
