Saints still looking to acquire players
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
By Mike Triplett
After shipping out two more veterans Sunday, the Saints now have 29 players remaining on their roster from a year ago, including three who never appeared in a game.
They probably won't stop there.
The Saints might have to replace punter Mitch Berger if he is not healthy enough for Sunday's season opener at Cleveland. And they will continue to scour the waiver wire and free agency for help throughout this week and the season.
One player they were looking into Monday was veteran middle linebacker Danny Clark. The 29-year-old was a starter for the Oakland Raiders the past two seasons but was released this past weekend. That kind of roster turnover is natural when a team finishes 3-13 and the entire coaching staff gets replaced. But Saints fans know that better than most.
Similar transitions took place after the team went 3-13 in 1996 and 3-13 in 1999.
"I think the mistake is staying put with a team that just finished 3-13. So the last thing we want to do is leave things alone," said Payton, who was quick to add that the young players on the Saints' roster earned their jobs based on performance, not just potential. "I wouldn't be putting them in those situations if they hadn't earned them.
"I'm anxious to see what we have. . . . We'll get a chance to see quick."
Payton said the conversations he has had with veterans Fred McAfee (released two weeks ago) and Jermane Mayberry (placed on injured reserve last weekend) have been among the toughest parts of his job as a first-time head coach.
Players expressed some disappointment that longtime teammates such as Tony Bryant (released Sunday) didn't make the cut. But they also understand how the business works.