The New Orleans Saints had a breakthrough Tuesday night in negotiations with first-round draft pick Sedrick Ellis that allowed them to reach agreement on a five-year deal that could max out at $49 million, a source close to the situation told ESPN.

Defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis might be soon ending his holdout.

Saints' running back Deuce McAllister sat out a practice on Saturday because he had fluid drained from his surgically repaired left knee, then the team sent him for a precautionary MRI, according to an Associated Press report.

Marques Colston, whose 168 catches are more than any NFL wide receiver through his first two seasons, agreed to a three-year contract extension that could keep him in New Orleans through the 2011 season, Saints GM Mickey Loomis said Wednesday night.

Jeremy Shockey was traded to the Saints for two draft picks Monday.

The Saints agreed to terms on a three-year deal with kicker Taylor Mehlhaff on Friday, according to The Argus Leader.