METAIRIE, La. -- When the New Orleans Saints released Joseph Morgan last December, it felt like Strike 3.

"I honestly didn't think I'd be back," admitted the dynamic receiver, whose once-promising career had veered out of bounds, due in part to off-field issues. "But at the same time, I just stayed ready because you never know what the future holds. And as you see right now, I'm standing here trying to do things the right way."

The Saints re-signed Morgan in April after coach Sean Payton said Morgan "took a number of initiatives" to earn another opportunity.

Neither Morgan nor Payton has specified all of the issues that Morgan, 27, has dealt with. His most public foul-up came when he was arrested for suspicion of driving drunk in 2013. Then the Saints suspended him for two games last year for undisclosed disciplinary reasons. Morgan was cut after a Week 14 loss, during which he was spotted getting chewed out by Payton for an assignment error.

Morgan was candid, however, in a recent interview session about how he had lost his way. He said his issues mostly boiled down to a lack of focus, a lack of maturity, allowing troubles at home to bleed into work and vice versa.

"Last year, there were times I would have loved to play more and that wasn't happening, and you get frustrated," said Morgan, who was active for only five games, including a Monday night game against the Baltimore Ravens in which he had a 67-yard run and 62-yard catch in the first quarter then never touched the ball again.

"It's not like I was being defiant or doing anything -- but you get frustrated," Morgan said. "So I would let something like that [stick with me], take it home and then have problems at home. Wasn't doing anything outrageous, but just stuff that happens at home. ... Or I'd be frustrated with something at home, and I'd let home come into here, and that's causing problems at work.

"That's a focus thing. ... And if anything, it was a maturity issue. And I'm night and day from that. I've learned a lot.

"I mean, it's an eye-opener when you get fired. You learn it can happen at any moment and don't take things for granted. I'm blessed to have this opportunity, and I'm not going to do anything that's going to hurt that chance."

It's easy to be skeptical with Morgan's track record, which dates to college when he was dismissed from the University of Illinois for unspecified disciplinary reasons before transferring to Walsh University. He signed with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent in 2011.

But it's also notable that the Saints have continued to show faith in Morgan, who said Payton has offered valuable guidance. Veteran players whom Morgan has leaned on as mentors also speak highly of him. Morgan said former Saints cornerback Jabari Greer and current tight end Benjamin Watson are two who have helped the most.

"Joe has a great heart, man. ... He has a desire to do the right thing. So I believe that he will take full advantage of this opportunity," said Greer, who praised the Saints for “not only seeing [Morgan’s] issues, but seeing his heart.”

"No matter how professional you are, if you have unresolved issues in your personal life, they always bleed over into your professional life, no matter what you do," said Greer, who has been candid in the past about realizing how much football dominated his own life and affected family relationships. "And just because you play professional football does not make you immune."

"I'm just really happy that he's getting a second chance, and I'm really happy that he's taking hold of it," Watson added. "I've only known him for two years ... but he's always been somebody that I look at him and I see greatness in him. And I'm not just talking about on the field."

Morgan probably has a 50-50 chance at best to make the Saints' roster, with younger receivers such as Nick Toon, Brandon Coleman and Seantavius Jones on the rise. But Morgan has proven big-play ability and has been a strong blocker -- qualities that could vault him ahead if he consistently delivers on his potential.

Morgan's comeback path isn't just about making the roster cut, though. He has two daughters (Justice, 5, in his home state of Ohio; and Austin, 11 months, in New Orleans). He said spending time with them has helped him keep his focus.

"I've been trying to work on Joe, and not just the football aspect of it," Morgan said. "I've got to work on things that are going to take me further in life."