Former UMass running back Ellis Merriweather carved a place in the NFL.

He signed an undrafted free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints on Monday after attending the team’s rookie mini camp. It was his second camp invitation along with the Green Bay Packers.

Merriweather became the fifth former Minuteman in the NFL, joining Arizona Cardinals guard Elijah Wilkinson, Baltimore Ravens receiver Andy Isabella and Indianapolis Colts corner Isaiah Rodgers.

Welcome WR James Washington, DB Adrian Frye, and RB Ellis Merriweather to the #Saints! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Jn1TuOXmHy

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 15, 2023

The Alpharetta, Georgia, native amassed 575 yards and three touchdowns on the ground last season and was named to Phil Steele’s all-independent second team and posted the most rushing yards in UMass’ FBS history (1,138) in 2021.

New Orleans also signed former Dallas Cowboys receiver James Washington and Texas Tech defensive back Adrian Frye.

Kyle Grabowski can be reached at kgrabowski@gazettenet.com. Follow him on Twitter @kylegrbwsk.]]>