Saturday, March 20th, 2010
OFFSEASON UPDATE
The Saints have been little more than innocent bystanders in the two weeks since free agency began, but it’s not because they want to be.
They haven’t been major players in the first wave of free agency because they’re working under a rule that restricts the final four playoff teams from signing unrestricted free agents unless they lose one first.
The Saints did lose one of their top two unrestricted free agents, strong-side linebacker Scott Fujita, but they’ve taken their time finding a replacement. St. Louis Rams defensive end James Hall came in for a visit and they are scheduled to bring in Rams defensive end Leonard Little as well.
They also took a peek at former Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas, who was released earlier this month. The visit was arranged before Saints running back Mike Bell, a restricted free agent, signed an offer sheet with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Saints must decide if they want to keep Bell after he signed a one-year, $1.7 million offer sheet. If the Saints allow him to walk, they wouldn’t get a draft pick because he was tendered at the low level of $1.176 million with no compensation.
The Saints spent the first two weeks of free agency re-signing some of their role players, which has been their method of operation for the last few years. They re-signed safety Pierson Prioleau, center Nick Leckey and cornerback Leigh Torrence, and also got long snapper Jason Kyle back in the fold.
TEAM NEEDS
1. Defensive end: Even though right end Will Smith had a big season with 13 sacks, the Saints could use some help here. Left end Charles Grant was released after battling injuries the last three years and Bobby McCray also had a back problem most of last season. So a sturdy young player who can rush the passer and support the run could be a consideration in the first or second rounds.
2. Defensive tackle: The Saints were 21st against the run last season in allowing 122.1 yards per game and they were gashed for some big runs — especially in the second half of the season. Former first-round draft pick Sedrick Ellis is solid, but he could use some help in the middle.
3. Strong-side linebacker: The Saints probably didn’t expect to lose four-year starter Scott Fujita, but they did. They could have a replacement in young Jonathan Casillas or Jo-Lonn Dunbar, a couple of undrafted free agents who have been impressive in replacing Fujita when he was injured. They could also try to find one in the draft in the second or third rounds to develop for the future.
MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
–QB Mark Brunell, who turns 40 in September, may not be re-signed although he’s considered to be a valuable backup to Drew Brees.
–TE Dan Campbell injured his knee in training camp and likely won’t be re-signed.
–DT Kendrick Clancy was lost for the season when he injured his knee in the season opener and it’s not known if he’ll be offered a new contract.
–TE Darnell Dinkins was injured for the first half of the season and was inactive later in the season, so he may not be re-signed.
–TE Billy Miller tore his Achilles’ tendon in the final preseason game but could be re-signed because of his locker room presence.
–FS Darren Sharper was the catalyst for the defense with nine interceptions and will be a priority to re-sign.
–DE Paul Spicer was signed when Charles Grant went on injured reserve and likely won’t be back.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)
–FB Kyle Eckel (not tendered as RFA) was signed to fill in for an injured Heath Evans.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (*indicates restricted because of uncapped year)
–DT Remi Ayodele (tendered at $1.101 million with no compensation) started 15 games after Kendrick Clancy was lost for the season.
–*RB Mike Bell (tendered at $1.176 million with no compensation); Eagles executed offer sheet March 17 ($1.5M/1 yr, $500,000 guaranteed); Saints have until March 24 to match.
–*LT Jammal Brown (tendered at $3.619 million with first- and third-round picks as compensation) missed the entire season after having hip and sports hernia surgeries but is a two-time Pro Bowl pick.
–LT Jermon Bushrod (tendered at $1.684 million with second-round pick as compensation) filled some big shoes when he was inserted into the lineup for Brown and started 14 games.
–DE Jeff Charleston (tendered at $1.01M with no compensation) has been a nice role player for the last two seasons.
–*RG Jahri Evans (tendered at $3.168 million with first- and third-round picks as compensation) was an All-Pro this season and a player the Saints would love to sign to a long-term deal.
–*DT Anthony Hargrove (tendered at $1.226 million with third-round pick as compensation) had a big season as a backup with five sacks.
–*SS Roman Harper (tendered at $2.521 million with first-round pick as compensation) flourished in Gregg Williams’ system and was a Pro Bowl alternate.
–MLB Marvin Mitchell (tendered at $1.101 million with seventh-round pick as compensation) is a promising young player who starts when the Saints go to a 3-4.
–*WR Lance Moore (tendered at $1.759 million with second-round pick as compensation) was bothered by ankle and hamstring injuries, but is a valuable asset to the offense.
–FS Chris Reis (tendered at $1.101 million with no compensation) is a huge special teams contributor.
–*WR Courtney Roby (tendered at $1.176 million with third-round pick as compensation) has blossomed as a return man and is one of their top cover men on punts and kickoffs.
–*T Zach Strief (tendered at $1.759 million with second-round pick as compensation) served as a key backup at both tackles and as an extra tight end.
–*TE David Thomas (tendered at $1.176 million with third-round pick as compensation) had a big season after coming to the Saints in a trade.
–RB Pierre Thomas (tendered at $1.684 million with second-round pick as compensation) has been the Saints’ leading rusher the last two seasons.
—-FS Usama Young (tendered at $1.101 million with third-round pick as compensation) was a backup and key special teams contributor.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
–C Nick Leckey: UFA; $630,000/1 yr.
–LS Jason Kyle: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
–S Pierson Prioleau: UFA; $855,000/1 yr.
–*CB Leigh Torrence: Not tendered as RFA; $630,000/1 yr.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–FB Zak Keasey: FA; $545,000/1 yr.
PLAYERS LOST
–LB Scott Fujita: UFA Browns; $14M/3 yrs, $8M guaranteed.
–DE Charles Grant (released/failed physical).
–G/C Jamar Nesbit (released).
–MLB Mark Simoneau (released).
–WR D’Juan Woods (released/failed physical).
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