The New Orleans Saints went searching the globe for their latest quarterback signing -- sort of.
The Saints signed former Concordia College quarterback Griffin Neal, sources told ESPN, confirming multiple reports from Neal's hometown of Fargo, North Dakota, as well as Neal's former college coach.
Neal played at Concordia from 2011 to '15 and spent last year playing in Germany for the Hildesheim Invaders. He caught the Saints' eye last month, when he participated at Tulane's pro day, which was held at the Saints' practice facility.
The Saints then invited Neal to participate at their local pro day on Friday, according to Valley News Live. They offered him a three-year contract after the workout.
"I showed up there [for Tulane's pro day], and nobody knew who I was," Neal told The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. "But the fact I was in the same facility as some key decision-makers, I was in the right place at the right time, and I had a great day. I was just hoping for any opportunity. Now I have it, and hopefully I can take advantage of it."
Neal got hooked up with Tulane because he connected with former Green Wave wide receiver Xavier Rush while working out in Arizona, according to The Forum.
"This day has obviously been a dream come true," Neal said. "It was pretty surreal. I'm just grateful they're giving me the opportunity."
Neal (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) was a three-year starter at Concordia and finished as the school's all-time leader with 5,614 passing yards and 47 touchdown passes. He ran for 1,331 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Neal should essentially be considered the same as an undrafted free-agent, which makes him a roster long shot, but it's hard to dismiss him after his unlikely path to the Saints.
He is expected to be the fourth quarterback on New Orleans' roster, behind Drew Brees, Luke McCown and last year's third-round draft pick, Garrett Grayson.
The Saints have also reportedly been doing their homework on some quarterbacks in this year's draft, including Paxton Lynch, Connor Cook and Nate Sudfeld.