NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints signed free-agent fullback Heath Evans to a two-year contract on Thursday and released fullback Mike Karney.

Evans, who has played for eight seasons and is older than Karney, has carried the ball 157 times for 561 yards and three touchdowns in his career. He has spent the past four seasons with the New England Patriots, serving primarily as a blocker for the NFL's sixth-best running attack in 2008.

Karney was drafted by the Saints in 2004 to block for Deuce McAllister, who was released by New Orleans last month.

Karney rushed 39 times for 79 yards and five TDs in his five seasons in New Orleans. He also caught 53 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns.