<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Free agent Lewis returning to SaintsBy Len PasquarelliESPN.comUnrestricted free agent Michael Lewis, one of the NFL's most electrifying return specialists before a knee injury ended his 2005 campaign after only two outings, has reached an agreement in principle to return to the New Orleans Saints for another season.Contract details were not immediately available.Lewis, 34, continues to rehabilitate from surgery on his left knee and is not yet ready to get back onto the field. He might be able to participate in the team's June mini-camp, and is expected to be recovered in time for the start of training camp. The club held its first mini-camp under rookie head coach Sean Payton over the weekend.A five-year veteran, Lewis did not make his first NFL roster until he was 29 years old, and his ability to beat the odds and persevere has made the New Orleans native a favorite among Saints fans. Before earning a roster spot in 2001, Lewis, who did not attend college, held a variety of jobs. He also played in the Arena Football League, NFL Europe League and Indoor Professional Football League.He was signed to the New Orleans practice squad late in the 2000 season and then won a job in training camp the following year.In 53 games, Lewis has averaged 24.2 yards on 206 kickoff returns and 10.9 yards on 126 punt runbacks. He has three touchdowns on kickoff returns and one score on a punt return. Three of his four touchdowns on returns came in 2002, when he earned a Pro Bowl spot and was also named to a number of All-Pro teams and was cited as the special teams player of the year by one media group.In addition to his return skills, Lewis is an excellent all-around special teams player, and his NFL resume includes 47 special teams tackles. He also has 28 receptions for 553 yards and one touchdown and can serve as a No. 4 wide receiver.An explosive return man, and fearless in throwing his body around, Lewis could provide a big boost to the Saints if he returns whole from the knee surgery of 2005. The Saints statistically ranked 20th on offense in 2005 and, while their shortcomings were myriad, poor field position was a consistent problem.Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.</div>
