Saints
Retain Defensive Captain Bellamy
Veteran tackles leader signs for three years going
into his 12th season
posted February 22, 2005 - print me!
neworleansprofootball.com
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S Jay Bellamy |
Saints defensive captain Jay Bellamy has re-signed with the team
and will return for his 12th season in 2005.
Bellamy, 5'11, 200, has excelled at strong safety for the past
two years after playing somewhat out of position at free safety
from 2001 to 2002. During that span, the consistent Bellamy hasn't
missed a game. In fact, Bellamy's durability streak dates back
to 1998.
Bellamy, 34, has signed a new three-year contract to prevent
him from hitting the open market.
Emerging as the team's defensive leader this past season, he
teamed with free safety Tebucky Jones to lead the team in tackles
as a young linebacking corp struggled. Much better playing near
the line of scrimmage and a force against the run, Bellamy is
in the twilight of his career and is limited in his coverage ability.
The Saints would ideally like to have a fast ballhawk at free
safety to counteract Bellamy's lack of deep coverage ability and
ball skills, but Tebucky Jones has been a disappointment.
In addition to averaging over 100 tackles a year with the Saints
in his four years, Bellamy has accumulated 4.5 sacks, nine interceptions,
six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. He also serves
as the quarterback for the defense and is a vocal leader on the
practice field. Bellamy was relegated to second string behind
young prospect Mel Mitchell before the 2003 season. When Mitchell
was injured on a crooked block by Dolphins QB Sage Rosenfels in
the preseason finale, Bellamy stepped back into the lineup and
had one of his best seasons.
Originally undrafted out of Rutgers, Bellamy played in Seattle
for seven years before following Randy Mueller to New Orleans.
Aside from Darren Howard, Bellamy is one of the few major worries
for the team on the unrestricted free agent market. Another key
to the secondary, cornerback Jason Craft, is apparently set to
test the market.
Bellamy was arrested in May of 2004 for DWI, an offense which
did not result in a suspension but likely has put him in the league's
substance abuse program.
As always keep here at NOPF for the latest.
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