NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Cornerback Ashley Ambrose is heading home, agreeing to a free-agent contract with the New Orleans Saints.
Ambrose, born and raised in New Orleans, leaves another NFC South team, the Atlanta Falcons, to join the Saints. He agreed to a four-year, $8 million contract with the Saints that includes a $1.5 million signing bonus.
Cut by the Falcons last month, Ambrose could have returned to Atlanta, which hoped to re-sign him for less money. Ambrose was due to make $4.575 million in 2003.
"You have to love Ashley's work ethic," Falcons head coach Dan Reeves said of the 11-year veteran. "He always gives you everything he's got. He's not the easiest kind of player to replace."
He started each of Atlanta's 50 games over the last three years and has missed only one game since the beginning of 1996.
Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said the deal could be finalized and signed Monday.
