NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints maintained their rights to up-and-coming restricted free agents Tim Lelito and Josh Hill by extending qualifying offers Wednesday, according to sources.
New Orleans tendered both players at the lowest level -- one year, $1.67 million. That means the Saints maintain the right to match any offer sheets Lelito and Hill might sign with another team, but they would receive no draft-pick compensation if they leave.
Lelito and Hill, both of whom joined the Saints as undrafted free agents in 2013, could figure prominently in New Orleans’ offense next season.