NFL Nation

          Saints go back to CFL pipeline with Adam Bighill, Forrest Hightower

          METAIRIE, La. – In what has become an annual tradition, the New Orleans Saints agreed to deals with two Canadian Football League prospects on Wednesday – hoping to unearth the next Delvin Breaux or Tom Johnson.

          The Saints agreed to deals with veteran BC Lions linebacker Adam Bighill, who was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2015, and Ottawa Redblacks DB Forrest Hightower, who had two interceptions in last year's Grey Cup championship game.

          A source confirmed that Bighill agreed to a contract. Hightower's agency announced his deal on Twitter. The signings were first reported by TSN.

          The Saints have signed a steady stream of Canadian players in recent years – including Breaux, who became their No. 1 cornerback in his debut NFL season in 2015, and Breaux’s former CFL roommate Erik Harris, who earned a roster spot last year as a special-teamer. Others have included Johnson and safety Marcus Ball.

          Bighill (5-foot-10, 230 pounds) is a six-year CFL vet and four-time CFL all-star from Central Washington. The 28-year-old has 33 sacks, eight interceptions and eight forced fumbles in his career, and a combined 229 tackles over the past two years.

          “He’s been one of the CFL’s top linebackers and defenders since entering the league,” said John Murphy, the assistant vice president of player personnel and football operations for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who lives in Metairie, La., in the offseason and keeps close tabs on the Saints.

          “He’s short, but very quick on his feet. A solid open field tackler, versatile. He plays with a nasty streak – a throwback type like London Fletcher or Zach Thomas,” Murphy said. “Opponents hated playing against him, and he might surprises because he’s capable of running the 4.55 [second] range in the 40.”

          Hightower (5-10, 186) is a two-year CFL vet from San Jose State. The 24-year-old had 48 tackles and two interceptions last year.

          “He’s quicker than fast, played several spots in two years with Ottawa,” Murphy said. “He played cornerback, free safety and returned kickoffs at San Jose State.”