Evans secured the ideal deal
Fullback decided Saints top option
Heath Evans's heart told him to go back to New England, but his head told him that the two-year offer the New Orleans Saints had on the table provided the most security for his family.
So the fullback signed with the Saints Thursday, ending his three-plus years with the Patriots.
"Emotionally, it was hard, but business-wise, it was a simple decision," said Evans yesterday. "Emotionally, doggone it, I was going to take far less money and far less security and come home to Boston; I had no intentions of leaving. I never expected the Patriots to be the highest bidder or even close, but it was just too much of a distance to feel comfortable.
"That being said, it will be tough going elsewhere, and knowing you leave something that is so great. This is one of those situations where you're hoping the grass is greener. I definitely think this [Saints] offense is one I fit in well with, and I'm excited about being part of an offense that's been at the top in all of football for the last two years. But at the same time, I lose some good friends and people that I will miss and miss drastically."
Evans said he got an education playing for the Patriots, learning from everyone from owner Robert Kraft to coach Bill Belichick to players such as Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, and Tom Brady.
Evans's decision came down to the Patriots and the Saints, although Matt Cassel was making a push for Evans to join the former New England quarterback, Vrabel, and general manager Scott Pioli in Kansas City.
"This is one of the main reasons I respect Scott," said Evans. "He said, 'I know Bill is trying to re-sign you, and I respect Bill so much, and he's done so much for me, so I'm not going to be in play.' I know Matt Cassel was pushing hard for it. We would have loved to be with Mike and Matty. But we found a great home, and I'm excited to see how it goes."
"It means a lot," said Gostkowski. "He's a good friend and he's a great punter. He's obviously a great holder. Any time you can have someone that you're familiar with as a person and as a holder, that's good. It's nice to have him back, and I'm just excited to play another year with him."
Gostkowski said he was happy for Paxton, who signed a five-year, $5.38 million deal with the Broncos.
"I'm sure we'll be able to replace him, but he is one of the best that I've ever seen, and losing a friend more than a teammate is tough," said Gostkowski. "I'm super excited for him. I'm glad he got a good deal. I wish nothing but the best for him.
"We'll stay in contact. He'll be watching me and I'll be watching him. It stinks to lose him more as a person and a friend than as a player."
Gostkowski, running back Sammy Morris, and defensive lineman Kenny Smith were at the Donald McKay School in East Boston yesterday participating in the "Fuel Up and Play" program, a joint health and fitness initiative sponsored by the New England Dairy & Food Council and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. 
