***Official 2010 New Orleans Saints Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[gianmarco]

Ahhh, how good it feels. This one should start off a little differently than every other Saints team thread in the past.

Big issues:

--Brees contract. How big? Bigger than Peyton's?

--Bush. Will he stay or will he go?

--Sean Payton. What kind of contract will he get

--All the remaining FA's, including some key pieces like P. Thomas and Sharper.

Either way, what a great offseason this will be

WHO DAT!!

 

[BlackMagic10]

Congratz on winning the Super Bowl.

 

[zed2283]

My interest, as usual, is in the P.Thomas/M.Bell/R.Bush/L.Hamilton saga.

- PT is a FA, correct? What's the target date for knowing something?

- M.Bell contract status?

- R.Bush is under contract but is expected to re-work or be released/traded, correct? Is there a date by which any of this needs to happen?

 

[gianmarco]

My interest, as usual, is in the P.Thomas/M.Bell/R.Bush/L.Hamilton saga.- PT is a FA, correct? What's the target date for knowing something?- M.Bell contract status?- R.Bush is under contract but is expected to re-work or be released/traded, correct? Is there a date by which any of this needs to happen?

PT is a RFA, IIRC. The RB situation is definitely something to keep an eye on as I think we might see some major changes/deals worked out this year.

 

[ATC1]

The biggest question will be what happens with Greg Williams. The needs are along the front 7, but we will have to see what the FA do and what Benson allows Payton and Loomis to do with an uncapped year.

 

[tipsy mcstagger]

More linebackers. Another D-lineman. And re-sign Sharper for the love of god.

 

[JuSt CuZ]

Its gonna be hard for the Saints to do anything other then sign the thier own players!

The final 8 are pretty much screwed when it comes to signing free agents!

 

[jonrolly]

Its gonna be hard for the Saints to do anything other then sign the thier own players!The final 8 are pretty much screwed when it comes to signing free agents!

Yep, can only sign another team's UFA after you lose a UFA of equal or greater value.The only two important UFAs are Fujita and Sharper.Curious to see what they will do at LT with both Bushrod and Brown as RFAs.Have to think they will match any offers for Jahri Evans.Other key RFAs include PT, Dave Thomas, Lance Moore, Harper and Hargrove.

 

[Breesisdaman]

Ahhh, how good it feels. This one should start off a little differently than every other Saints team thread in the past.Big issues:--Brees contract. How big? Bigger than Peyton's?--Bush. Will he stay or will he go?--Sean Payton. What kind of contract will he get--All the remaining FA's, including some key pieces like P. Thomas and Sharper.Either way, what a great offseason this will be WHO DAT!!

Brees will retire a Saint but his contract wont be bigger than Peytons nor should it be. Brees will get quite the pay raise though probably at the expense of Reggie Bush. I hope Loomis can figure out a way to keep Bush because I think he has made strides this year adjusting to his place in the offense and by running more north and south. He is a special talent but other pieces of the puzzle are greater than his. Sean Payton will get double the money IMO especially the way Benson has made out this year and probably by how he will do after he raises ticket prices. Im not happy about that one but you know its coming.I dont think they will resign Brown, Charles Grant and I think we can do better gaining Free agents this year after becoming World Champions and after other NFL players seeing the bound this team shares with its fans. Who wouldn't want to play for New Orleans if the money was right? We can still bolster our defense and focus on weaknesses like stopping the run.Loomis will be very active this offseason but he will succeed. I have no doubt about that.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

Ahhh, how good it feels. This one should start off a little differently than every other Saints team thread in the past.Big issues:--Brees contract. How big? Bigger than Peyton's?--Bush. Will he stay or will he go?--Sean Payton. What kind of contract will he get--All the remaining FA's, including some key pieces like P. Thomas and Sharper.Either way, what a great offseason this will be WHO DAT!!

Brees will retire a Saint but his contract wont be bigger than Peytons nor should it be. Brees will get quite the pay raise though probably at the expense of Reggie Bush. I hope Loomis can figure out a way to keep Bush because I think he has made strides this year adjusting to his place in the offense and by running more north and south. He is a special talent but other pieces of the puzzle are greater than his. Sean Payton will get double the money IMO especially the way Benson has made out this year and probably by how he will do after he raises ticket prices. Im not happy about that one but you know its coming.I dont think they will resign Brown, Charles Grant and I think we can do better gaining Free agents this year after becoming World Champions and after other NFL players seeing the bound this team shares with its fans. Who wouldn't want to play for New Orleans if the money was right? We can still bolster our defense and focus on weaknesses like stopping the run.Loomis will be very active this offseason but he will succeed. I have no doubt about that.

Curious if there is rumors about the tender level for Jamaal Brown. He's a RFA without a CBA correct? Seems to me quality LTs don't hit the market very often. Any word on how his recovery is going?

 

[gianmarco]

And re-sign Sharper for the love of god.

AMEN!!

 

[Saints-Man]

And re-sign Sharper for the love of god.

AMEN!!

They need to address this via the draft also. Sharper was outstanding but I wonder how many years he has left.

 

[saintfool]

The biggest question will be what happens with Greg Williams. The needs are along the front 7, but we will have to see what the FA do and what Benson allows Payton and Loomis to do with an uncapped year.

he's under contract for another year, i believe. he'll get talked about as a potential HC again but i don't see us letting him go.I think we'll re-sign almost everyone. Bell might want too much money or get a shot at starting somewhere. Reggie may get asked to take a paycut and that's going to stir the pot. Bushrod played reasonably well in Brown's absence but there is no reason to think he's Brown's replacement. Quality OT's, especially LT, are too rare to let go. Grant, I think, will be asked to take a pay cut but they won't fight hard to keep him. He didn't have a strong season, is overpaid and has the criminal charges hanging over him.

Fujita, Sharper, and Pierre all should return and as starters. I have to think no better endorsement for NOS to potential free agents is an uncapped year, a SB trophy and all the chatter about the relationship the fans have with the team. The madness of the quarter post-SB ought to help a little too...

 

[Football Critic]

I decided after much debate and critizism of Reggie Bush, that the Saints should just keep this guy, instead of parting ways. (for whatever reason to do with contract)

Others may disagree!

 

[doowain]

Let me first say "congrats" on your SB win.

As for your offseason, I predict that the Saints will continue to copy the Bengals signature chant (albeit with better results)....

 

[otis68]

No way they let Jamaal Brown go. I suspect Bush, PT and Hamilton will be back, with Bell the odd man out. Grant is probably gone.

Biggest need is DT/DE, followed by LB depth.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Have to think they will match any offers for Jahri Evans.

This is someone I want the Skins to pursue.

 

[Football Critic]

No way they let Jamaal Brown go. I suspect Bush, PT and Hamilton will be back, with Bell the odd man out. Grant is probably gone.Biggest need is DT/DE, followed by LB depth.

No corner help? Porter stepped up, but whats the deal with McKenzie?I think getting some corner help will do wonders!

 

[Tha Guru]

Have to think they will match any offers for Jahri Evans.

This is someone I want the Skins to pursue.

Every team in the league would love to get Evans; no way the Saints let this guy leave.

 

[SproutDaddy]

I decided after much debate and critizism of Reggie Bush, that the Saints should just keep this guy, instead of parting ways. (for whatever reason to do with contract)Others may disagree!

They need to sign him long term and spread that money out if they can. He's still an asset to the team.

 

[SproutDaddy]

No way they let Jamaal Brown go. I suspect Bush, PT and Hamilton will be back, with Bell the odd man out. Grant is probably gone.Biggest need is DT/DE, followed by LB depth.

No corner help? Porter stepped up, but whats the deal with McKenzie?I think getting some corner help will do wonders!

I don't think McKenzie was on the active roster for the playoffs. Greer, Porter, Gay, and Jenkins is an really good CB 1-4.

 

[saintfool]

No way they let Jamaal Brown go. I suspect Bush, PT and Hamilton will be back, with Bell the odd man out. Grant is probably gone.Biggest need is DT/DE, followed by LB depth.

DT isn't really needed. They have Ellis, Hargrove, Ayodele, Clancy and Pressley. DE, however, may be a different story with Grant a real question mark, imo. McCray was good but he's really a pass rush specialist more than anything.

 

[Zigg]

Have to think they will match any offers for Jahri Evans.

This is someone I want the Skins to pursue.

As an RFA last season, he would have cost a 1st and 3rd. He is still an RFA, and he'll get at least the same tender, maybe even 2 1st's. As long as RFAs are treated the same way, he isn't going anywhere, and will probably be signed long term.As for Bush, he definitely turned a corner. He'll never be a #1 because he can't take the pounding, but he has developed into a great platoon guy.

 

[motor guy]

I'm interested to see how Stanley Arnoux and Chip Vaughn recover from their injuries. Their return should mitigate some depth issues at LB and Safety. Still though, I'd love to see some combination of SLB and DE on the first day of the draft.

 

[otis68]

No way they let Jamaal Brown go. I suspect Bush, PT and Hamilton will be back, with Bell the odd man out. Grant is probably gone.Biggest need is DT/DE, followed by LB depth.

DT isn't really needed. They have Ellis, Hargrove, Ayodele, Clancy and Pressley. DE, however, may be a different story with Grant a real question mark, imo. McCray was good but he's really a pass rush specialist more than anything.

The way they've gotten exploited vs the run, I'm not sure these guys are anything but depth. A top tier run stuffer/pocket collapser would be a huge addition.

 

[Harrassment Panda]

^

The answers to the front 7 are already on the roster.

Clancy is a difference-maker inside. After he got put on IR the team's ability to stop the run drastically decreased. If he comes back full strength they are set with Ellis/Clancy/Ayodele/Pressley. A platoon of Hargrove/McCray at LDE would be solid if Grant is cut.

 

[saintfool]

No way they let Jamaal Brown go. I suspect Bush, PT and Hamilton will be back, with Bell the odd man out. Grant is probably gone.Biggest need is DT/DE, followed by LB depth.

DT isn't really needed. They have Ellis, Hargrove, Ayodele, Clancy and Pressley. DE, however, may be a different story with Grant a real question mark, imo. McCray was good but he's really a pass rush specialist more than anything.

The way they've gotten exploited vs the run, I'm not sure these guys are anything but depth. A top tier run stuffer/pocket collapser would be a huge addition.

DT isn't the problem, especially in run support. part of it is the scheme but part of it is also the LB corps. fujita and shanle, god love them, would not be starters on almost any other team in the league. they are veterans that are known for their savvy as much as their hustle.

 

[motor guy]

I think you're underrating Shanle. His tackle numbers have been respectable over the past four seasons. He had two interceptions this year and several defended passes. I think he gets a bum rap from the fans, although I do agree that some competition would be good. Fujita is definitely on the decline though, so I think SLB is the priority over WLB.

If Jonathan Casillas makes progress in the offseason, where would he line up? Also, any Wake Forest fans care to comment on Stanley Arnoux?

 

[Football Critic]

No way they let Jamaal Brown go. I suspect Bush, PT and Hamilton will be back, with Bell the odd man out. Grant is probably gone.Biggest need is DT/DE, followed by LB depth.

No corner help? Porter stepped up, but whats the deal with McKenzie?I think getting some corner help will do wonders!

I don't think McKenzie was on the active roster for the playoffs. Greer, Porter, Gay, and Jenkins is an really good CB 1-4.

I meant that as.... what are they going to do with him?

 

[saintfool]

No way they let Jamaal Brown go. I suspect Bush, PT and Hamilton will be back, with Bell the odd man out. Grant is probably gone.Biggest need is DT/DE, followed by LB depth.

No corner help? Porter stepped up, but whats the deal with McKenzie?I think getting some corner help will do wonders!

I don't think McKenzie was on the active roster for the playoffs. Greer, Porter, Gay, and Jenkins is an really good CB 1-4.

I meant that as.... what are they going to do with him?

i would be surprised if he came back. they've got depth at CB. mckenzie would be #5 or lower on the depth chart.

 

[Football Critic]

No way they let Jamaal Brown go. I suspect Bush, PT and Hamilton will be back, with Bell the odd man out. Grant is probably gone.Biggest need is DT/DE, followed by LB depth.

No corner help? Porter stepped up, but whats the deal with McKenzie?I think getting some corner help will do wonders!

I don't think McKenzie was on the active roster for the playoffs. Greer, Porter, Gay, and Jenkins is an really good CB 1-4.

I meant that as.... what are they going to do with him?

i would be surprised if he came back. they've got depth at CB. mckenzie would be #5 or lower on the depth chart.

I think he will come back for the sheer fact that they cant sign any other players unless they lose one of there own! If the cut him, I dont think they can still sign anyone, they have to lose him to FA, no?

 

[saintfool]

I think he will come back for the sheer fact that they cant sign any other players unless they lose one of there own! If the cut him, I dont think they can still sign anyone, they have to lose him to FA, no?

i don't follow. more importantly, i don't think he even matters. he's buried on the depth chart even if he returns somehow. i doubt he would want to return as that guy who could just as easily be on the practice squad as he is on the playing field.

 

[gianmarco]

Steve Wyche, of NFL.com, reports the New Orleans Saints will likely place the franchise tag on FS Darren Sharper. Sharper would be due a tender amount of around $6.45 million under the franchise tag.

 

[gianmarco]

Charles Grant to be released

METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints were preparing to release Charles Grant, ending his eight-year tenure with the team, the team confirmed late Thursday.

The confirmation followed a WDSU report citing a well placed source who said the team was in the process of cutting Grant. The move is likely to become official on Friday, just hours after the start of the NFL free agency signing period and about four weeks after the team won its first-ever Super Bowl.

Saints executives also announced the release of offensive lineman Jamar Nesbit and linebacker Mark Simoneau.

Grant was placed on injured reserve after he injured his triceps muscle in a late-season game against the Carolina Panthers and missed the post-season. Doctors performed surgery to repair the damage.

Grant also battled hamstring problems early in the season. For most of the year, he started at defensive end.

The former University of Georgia standout joined the Saints in 2002 as a first-round draft pick and started all 16 games one year later.

His best season may have come in 2004, when he registered 78 tackles, 10.5 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Grant ran into trouble in Georgia during the 2008 off-season. He was stabbed in the neck in a bar fight that ended with the death of a pregnant woman.

Grant was indicted on a charge of involuntary manslaughter but has not gone to trial.

Later that year, he was one of three Saints players disciplined by the NFL for use of a banned substance contained in an over-the-counter diet drug.

But he has also been heavily involved in local charitable affairs through his "S.A.C.K. Success" Foundation. In December, the group partnered with Wal-Mart to host a holiday shopping spree for area children and single mothers.

"I have been blessed beyond measure," Grant said. "It is a privilege to be able to give kids and mothers in New Orleans a brighter Christmas."

Grant spends much of the year at a home he owns in Kenner.

 

[Saints-Man]

Its gonna be hard for the Saints to do anything other then sign the thier own players!

The final 8 are pretty much screwed when it comes to signing free agents!

Yep, can only sign another team's UFA after you lose a UFA of equal or greater value.The only two important UFAs are Fujita and Sharper.



Curious to see what they will do at LT with both Bushrod and Brown as RFAs.

Have to think they will match any offers for Jahri Evans.

Other key RFAs include PT, Dave Thomas, Lance Moore, Harper and Hargrove.

Jamal Brown, if healthy, is much better than Bushrod. I think that is an easy call. Bushrod played well, but he did not play at Jamal Brown's level IMO.

 

[Saints-Man]

I decided after much debate and critizism of Reggie Bush, that the Saints should just keep this guy, instead of parting ways. (for whatever reason to do with contract)Others may disagree!

I agree with keeping Bush. He is not the stud RB that you might expect for the 2nd overall pick, but he is an important cog on the Saints offense and a good returner.

 

[saintsdave75]

Anyone hear how Mike Bell's visit to Seattle went?

Also, the Saints are reportedly bringing in FA's NT Jamal Williams, DE Leonard Little and DE James Hall for visits this week

 

[psychobillies]

Its gonna be hard for the Saints to do anything other then sign the thier own players!

The final 8 are pretty much screwed when it comes to signing free agents!

Yep, can only sign another team's UFA after you lose a UFA of equal or greater value.

The only two important UFAs are Fujita and Sharper.



Curious to see what they will do at LT with both Bushrod and Brown as RFAs.

Have to think they will match any offers for Jahri Evans.

Other key RFAs include PT, Dave Thomas, Lance Moore, Harper and Hargrove.

Jamal Brown, if healthy, is much better than Bushrod. I think that is an easy call. Bushrod played well, but he did not play at Jamal Brown's level IMO.

I agree that Brown is a better blocker, but I sure didn't miss his 1-2 drive killing penalties a game.

 

[psychobillies]

Anyone hear how Mike Bell's visit to Seattle went?Also, the Saints are reportedly bringing in FA's NT Jamal Williams, DE Leonard Little and DE James Hall for visits this week

I'd love to get Williams. Not so sure about the other guys.

 

[saintfool]

Anyone hear how Mike Bell's visit to Seattle went?Also, the Saints are reportedly bringing in FA's NT Jamal Williams, DE Leonard Little and DE James Hall for visits this week

I'd love to get Williams. Not so sure about the other guys.

I don't think Hall or Little have much to offer. They would be rotation guys, I guess. Little would be in on obvious passing downs but what would that mean for McCray? Williams would replace Remi, I suppose. I would assume that Payton wants to replace Fujita in the draft. Dunbar is a special teams standout but I can't see him in the starting OLB role yet. Casillas needs more seasoning too.

 

[saintsdave75]

I would assume that Payton wants to replace Fujita in the draft. Dunbar is a special teams standout but I can't see him in the starting OLB role yet. Casillas needs more seasoning too.

I agree here; I would love love love to see Ricky Sapp from Clemson still be around at 32

 

[gianmarco]

I would assume that Payton wants to replace Fujita in the draft. Dunbar is a special teams standout but I can't see him in the starting OLB role yet. Casillas needs more seasoning too.

I agree here; I would love love love to see Ricky Sapp from Clemson still be around at 32

Not that it would happen, but I got Sapp at pick 64 for the Saints in the SP mock.

 

[saintsdave75]

FA QB and former Saint Jake Delhomme is visiting the Saints this weekend, assuming the Browns let him out of town without a contract; hmm, not sure how I feel about this one

http://www.wwl.com/Report---Delhomme-visit...weekend/6553409

 

[zed2283]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...current-salary/

During an extensive Friday press conference that touched on a broad range of issues, Saints G.M. Mickey Loomis was asked whether tailback Reggie Bush will be back in 2010.

"Yes," Loomis said of Bush in a transcript distributed by the team. "He'll be back and he'll be back at his current salary."

In 2010, Bush's salary shoots from $2.585 million to $8 million.

 

[zed2283]

(Rotoworld) Saints coach Sean Payton mentioned Lynell Hamilton first when speaking about a replacement for departed short-yardage specialist Mike Bell.

Analysis: "We've got real strong opinions on Lynell Hamilton, certainly Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush," Payton said. "How we replace it will be up to us in terms of whether it's a veteran player or a younger player." Hamilton has an extremely checkered history in terms of health. The Saints could consider a power back like Anthony Dixon or Jonathan Dwyer at the end of round two.

 

[psychobillies]

Saints sign Alex Brown. Seems like a good upgrade to the rotation. I hope he can play on the left at 260.

I'm thinking they go OLB in the draft for sure now. I'd love Washington from TCU.

 

[saintfool]

Saints sign Alex Brown. Seems like a good upgrade to the rotation. I hope he can play on the left at 260.

I'm thinking they go OLB in the draft for sure now. I'd love Washington from TCU.

i think he and bobby m will be a good duo opposite will smith. he doesn't have to be dominating but really just simply hold up his end. between this and hargrove re-signing, i don't think there is much on the shopping list. OLB and Safety really. Safety only becomes a need if Sharper decides he doesn't want to come back at the Saints price. I still think there is some possibility that Payton could grab a RB if one of the big names is in freefall through R1. Coach tried to get Beanie last year after all. He could play it close to the vest again. He might not be able to fight off the urge even though Pierre has proven himself time and time again. It's like the double-reverse he calls every single game; he just can't help himself.

 

[psychobillies]

Saints sign Alex Brown. Seems like a good upgrade to the rotation. I hope he can play on the left at 260.

I'm thinking they go OLB in the draft for sure now. I'd love Washington from TCU.

i think he and bobby m will be a good duo opposite will smith. he doesn't have to be dominating but really just simply hold up his end. between this and hargrove re-signing, i don't think there is much on the shopping list. OLB and Safety really. Safety only becomes a need if Sharper decides he doesn't want to come back at the Saints price. I still think there is some possibility that Payton could grab a RB if one of the big names is in freefall through R1. Coach tried to get Beanie last year after all. He could play it close to the vest again. He might not be able to fight off the urge even though Pierre has proven himself time and time again. It's like the double-reverse he calls every single game; he just can't help himself.

I'd love to have Sharper back, but I think Jenkins showed last year that he has the perfect skill set to play FS. With Porter and Greer entrenched at corner, we can't have a first round pick sitting on the bench as a backup or nickel player.As far as RB goes, I agree that Peyton would have a real hard time passing on a guy like Dwyer if he falls. I'd love that too.

 

[psychobillies]

Saints sign DE Jimmy Wilkerson

 

[saintfool]

Saints sign DE Jimmy Wilkerson

this is good for the defense. they have plenty of depth along the defensive frontline now. he's a little bigger than mccray and brown. he could be solid in run support.