Agent: Saints trade Saunders to Patriots for draft pick

NEW ORLEANS (AP) The agent for NFL return specialist and receiver Jalen Saunders says the second-year pro has been traded from the New Orleans Saints to the New England Patriots for a conditional draft pick.

The 22-year-old Saunders, whose agent is Rocky Arceneaux, saw his first NFL action with the New York Jets and Saints last season.

In New Orleans' preseason game against Houston on Sunday, Saunders returned five kickoffs for 132 yards. However, he's been competing for a special teams role with Saints seventh-round draft pick Marcus Murphy, who has returned seven kickoffs for 184 yards and also has been effective out of the backfield as a runner and receiver.

Murphy gained 110 yards from scrimmage Sunday, after which coach Sean Payton said the rookie was making the team.

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