The New Orleans Saints have signed free agent running back Ladell Betts, ESPN's Pat Yasinskas reports.

Betts replaces running back Lynell Hamilton, who was placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL during a joint practice with the New England Patriots last Wednesday. Betts worked out for the Saints the week before, and was at the top of their "emergency list".

Betts, who turns 31 later this month, has rushed for 3,176 yards and 13 touchdowns, with 165 receptions for 1,505 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield. Betts' entire eight-year NFL career has been spent with the Washington Redskins, who chose the former Iowa Hawkeye in the second round (56th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.

Betts is coming off ACL surgery that ended his 2009 season and stint with the Redskins, who released him on March 4.