Posted on Mon, May. 05, 2008

-- New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said following the NFL draft less than two weeks ago that he may add another body in the running back mix. Reportedly, the Saints are interested in a former NFL MVP to compete for a roster spot.

Former Seattle running back Shaun Alexander will follow up a scheduled trip to Cincinnati with one to New Orleans to talk with the Saints, according to report from the NFL Network.

Jim Steiner, who represents both Alexander and current Saints running back Deuce McAllister, did not immediately return a phone call placed by the Sun Herald to his office Monday afternoon.

The Seahawks released Alexander in late April after the team signed tailback Julius Jones. Alexander, who will be 31 by the start of the 2008 season, struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness the past two seasons following his MVP campaign in 2005.

Alexander finished last season with 716 rushing yards on 207 carries and four touchdowns, his lowest totals since his rookie season when he wasn't the starter.

The question still remains apparently whether McAllister's knees will hold up after ACL surgery on his left knee and microfracture surgery on his right knee in September. McAllister re-worked his contract with the Saints in mid-April to remain with the team.