In 2002, ex-Saints QB Jake Delhomme signed with another team because he wanted a starting job and starting money.
In 2010, ex-Saints QB Jake Delhomme signed with another team because he wanted a starting job and starting money.
Delhomme, after his flight to New Orleans was delayed, has signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns, ostensibly to be their starting quarterback. ESPN is reporting that Delhomme has been given starting money, to the tune of nearly $7 million per year for two years.
The Saints were prepared to meet with Delhomme this weekend for the possibility of the Louisiana-Lafayette returning to his first pro team for a backup job behind Drew Brees.
Veteran defensive end James Hall remains the Saints' only free agent visit so far.
Notes:
Patrick Swilling Jr., son of former Saint great linebacker Pat, was named MVP of the 5A basketball title game as Brother Martin won the state championship. Patrick has decided to focus on football in college, and is a three star safety undeclared in the recruiting process so far. He's considering his dad's alma mater, Georgia Tech, as well as Ole Miss, Miami, Kentucky, and Auburn.
The Saints have announced that their 2010 training camp will remain at Saints headquarters in Metairie.
March 13, 2010
March 11, 2010
Thursday free agent notes
- Free agent QB Jake Delhomme will be visiting the Saints. He's familiar with New Orleans, not only from growing up in Breaux Bridge, playing college ball in Lafayette, playing pro ball for the Saints through 2002, and then whipping the Saints eight times out of eleven as a Panther.
- The Saints have re-signed LS Jason Kyle to a one-year contract. Kyle performed well as the Saints' long snapper in 2009, signing him after Seattle cut him, in what became a long snapper swap. The Seahawks signed LS Kevin Houser last year after the Saints cut him because of some internal locker room strife, which has resulted in a lawsuit.
- Ex-Lion and ex-Ram, 33-year old DE James Hall, a St. Augustine High School product, is the Saints' first outside free agent visit.
- Various online reports indicate that free agent RB LaDainian Tomlinson may visit New Orleans, assuming he doesn't sign with Minnesota or the Jets in coming days. Hard to imagine a Pierre Thomas-Reggie Bush-Lynell Hamilton-LaDainian Tomlinson backfield.
- Former Saint draft pick guard Andy Alleman has signed with the Colts.
- Former Saint draft pick cornerback Michael Hawthorne, is showing the reborn Arena Football League's Orlando Storm a glimpse of da speed.
Delhomme coming back?
Online reports indicate that free agent ex-Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, a Louisiana-Lafayette product and a Saint from 1997-2002, will visit the Saints.
The Saints are looking at their backup quarterback position, with Mark Brunell on the open market.
After visiting the Browns this week, Delhomme will be visiting the Saints Friday and Saturday of this week, so could be a Saint by the end of the weekend.
Delhomme, 35, a backup to firmly-entrenched Aaron Brooks, left the team as a free agent after the 2002 season for starter's money and a starter's job in Carolina.
The Breaux Bridge, LA native went 8-3 against his hometown team as a Panther, dealing some painful losses to the Saints. Delhomme led the Panthers to the Super Bowl in his first season in Carolina in 2003, and to the NFC Championship game two years later.
He had a brutal performance in a playoff game against Arizona in January of 2009, tossing five interceptions in a 33-14 loss to the Cardinals at home, two weeks after beating the Saints with a last-second field goal drive in the Superdome.
He played in only 11 games in 2009, throwing 8 TD's to 18 interceptions, and was not the same quarterback as he was in the past. He was briefly hospitalized with a rib injury and fractured a finger last season and was replaced by Matt Moore, who has now been anointed the starter in Carolina.
He was cut by the Panthers last week, less than a year after signing a new contract extension with $20 million in guarantees.
The Saints are looking at their backup quarterback position, with Mark Brunell on the open market.
After visiting the Browns this week, Delhomme will be visiting the Saints Friday and Saturday of this week, so could be a Saint by the end of the weekend.
Delhomme, 35, a backup to firmly-entrenched Aaron Brooks, left the team as a free agent after the 2002 season for starter's money and a starter's job in Carolina.
The Breaux Bridge, LA native went 8-3 against his hometown team as a Panther, dealing some painful losses to the Saints. Delhomme led the Panthers to the Super Bowl in his first season in Carolina in 2003, and to the NFC Championship game two years later.
He had a brutal performance in a playoff game against Arizona in January of 2009, tossing five interceptions in a 33-14 loss to the Cardinals at home, two weeks after beating the Saints with a last-second field goal drive in the Superdome.
He played in only 11 games in 2009, throwing 8 TD's to 18 interceptions, and was not the same quarterback as he was in the past. He was briefly hospitalized with a rib injury and fractured a finger last season and was replaced by Matt Moore, who has now been anointed the starter in Carolina.
He was cut by the Panthers last week, less than a year after signing a new contract extension with $20 million in guarantees.
March 9, 2010
Broncos don't let DT Williams get away
The Saints were expecting to host free agent DT Jamal Williams for a visit and contract negotiations today.
Williams never got to New Orleans.
The Broncos offered $7 million guaranteed and $16 million over three years and Williams signed. Denver also picked up ex-Patriot and LSU product DE Jarvis Green today.
QB Drew Brees played with Williams in San Diego and publicly recommended him yesterday.
Another free agent remotely linked to the Saints, ex-Charger RB LaDainian Tomlinson is set to visit the Vikings.
Williams never got to New Orleans.
The Broncos offered $7 million guaranteed and $16 million over three years and Williams signed. Denver also picked up ex-Patriot and LSU product DE Jarvis Green today.
QB Drew Brees played with Williams in San Diego and publicly recommended him yesterday.
Another free agent remotely linked to the Saints, ex-Charger RB LaDainian Tomlinson is set to visit the Vikings.
Turley's soul still "Bleeds Black and Gold"
Former Saints offensive tackle Kyle Turley, a 1998 first round pick of the Mike Ditka era, has released his first solo album under the artist name "Turley".
The 12th track on the rock/country album is "My Soul Bleeds Black and Gold" and features the lyrics "Gotta get back to New Orleans/ to their Superdome and the fleur di lis/ I got an itch for a cajun bead/ and you can find me on Bourbon Street".
A starter at both right and left tackle through the Haslett regime, and infamous for his helmet-throwing brawl in defense of Aaron Brooks, Turley was traded to St. Louis in 2004 for a second round pick, a choice that would be wasted by the Saints on bust Notre Dame LB Courtney Watson.
In post-NFL life, Turley has been near the front of the NFL Player union's fight for retiree benefits because Turley appears on the path for serious neurological problems because of his playing time.
The 12th track on the rock/country album is "My Soul Bleeds Black and Gold" and features the lyrics "Gotta get back to New Orleans/ to their Superdome and the fleur di lis/ I got an itch for a cajun bead/ and you can find me on Bourbon Street".
A starter at both right and left tackle through the Haslett regime, and infamous for his helmet-throwing brawl in defense of Aaron Brooks, Turley was traded to St. Louis in 2004 for a second round pick, a choice that would be wasted by the Saints on bust Notre Dame LB Courtney Watson.
In post-NFL life, Turley has been near the front of the NFL Player union's fight for retiree benefits because Turley appears on the path for serious neurological problems because of his playing time.
Saints re-sign UFA CB Leigh Torrence
Free agent cornerback Leigh Torrence, a backup through Week 11 last year before he succumbed to the team's rash of injuries at the position, has been re-signed per online reports. He attended the Hornets game on Monday night.
Torrence has played in 12 games in one and a half seasons with the Saints after being claimed off waivers from the Redskins midway through 2008.
He is five seasons out of Stanford as an undrafted free agent and played in Green Bay, Atlanta and Washington before becoming a Saint.
Torrence's shoulder injury in Tampa Bay in November 2009 forced him to injured reserve. The Saints signed CB Mike McKenzie to fill in. Torrence played sparsely on defense and was mostly used on special teams.
Torrence has played in 12 games in one and a half seasons with the Saints after being claimed off waivers from the Redskins midway through 2008.
He is five seasons out of Stanford as an undrafted free agent and played in Green Bay, Atlanta and Washington before becoming a Saint.
Torrence's shoulder injury in Tampa Bay in November 2009 forced him to injured reserve. The Saints signed CB Mike McKenzie to fill in. Torrence played sparsely on defense and was mostly used on special teams.
March 8, 2010
Sharper's cool free agent market explained
At a public signing appearance in New Orleans, unrestricted free agent Darren Sharper showed up with a clear explanation of his cool free market interest level.
Expected to be one of the hot free agents entering the market, news on his prospects was slim.
The Saints' 2009 starter at free safety showed up at the Prytania Theater walking with the aid of crutches, the result of minor arthroscopic knee surgery. Sharper voiced confidence about his ability to play football in 2010, but the fact remains that Dr. James Andrews cut on Sharper less than a week ago.
Sharper canceled free agent visits he had lined up. This will put the determination of his 2010 off by weeks.
As written earlier, the Saints took a check with me approach with Scott Fujita, only to find the Browns' offer far and away what they were willing to pay. They will take the same approach, perhaps with the same result, with Sharper.
Expected to be one of the hot free agents entering the market, news on his prospects was slim.
The Saints' 2009 starter at free safety showed up at the Prytania Theater walking with the aid of crutches, the result of minor arthroscopic knee surgery. Sharper voiced confidence about his ability to play football in 2010, but the fact remains that Dr. James Andrews cut on Sharper less than a week ago.
Sharper canceled free agent visits he had lined up. This will put the determination of his 2010 off by weeks.
As written earlier, the Saints took a check with me approach with Scott Fujita, only to find the Browns' offer far and away what they were willing to pay. They will take the same approach, perhaps with the same result, with Sharper.
Saints tour veteran d-linemen free agents
With Scott Fujita lost via free agency, the Final 8 rules now allow the Saints to sign a new unrestricted free agent, as long as the first year salary+bonus number is less than what Fujita signed for.
Various online reports indicate the Saints have lined up visits at some point this week with DE James Hall (33), DE Leonard Little (35), and DT Jamal Williams (34 in April).
Williams was actually cut by the Chargers, meaning that the Saints could have signed him before losing Fujita.
The long time St. Louis Ram, Little is expected to visit the Saints later this week. Hall is a New Orleans native who prepped at St. Augustine High School before attending Michigan.
Various online reports indicate the Saints have lined up visits at some point this week with DE James Hall (33), DE Leonard Little (35), and DT Jamal Williams (34 in April).
Williams was actually cut by the Chargers, meaning that the Saints could have signed him before losing Fujita.
The long time St. Louis Ram, Little is expected to visit the Saints later this week. Hall is a New Orleans native who prepped at St. Augustine High School before attending Michigan.
March 7, 2010
Fujita will miss New Orleans
The Saints have a hole to fill at strong-side linebacker for the first time since 2006.
Linebacker Scott Fujita, who signed with the Saints before the 2006, following Sean Payton and Gary Gibbs from Dallas to New Orleans, has signed a contract in Cleveland with the Browns, who pressed upon him a superior contract offer.
Linebacker Scott Fujita, who signed with the Saints before the 2006, following Sean Payton and Gary Gibbs from Dallas to New Orleans, has signed a contract in Cleveland with the Browns, who pressed upon him a superior contract offer.
March 6, 2010
RFA RB Mike Bell to visit Seattle
Restricted free agent RB Mike Bell will visit the Seattle Seahawks in the next two days, according to online reports.
Bell is a restricted free agent tendered at a level with no compensation for the Saints should he leave. The Saints do have right of first refusal on any contract offer sheet Bell signs.
Bell has been a Saint since November 2008 and contributed to a runningback rotation this season as the Saints' made their Super Bowl XLIV run. He rushed 172 times for 654 yards, his best season since 2006 with Denver.
Bell missed an opportunity for immortality, slipping and falling on a goal line run (2:20) in the second quarter of the Super Bowl. After the run, NFL Films caught head coach Sean Payton angrily blaming the gaffe for Bell's decision in shoes.
Bell started three games for the Saints in 2009 but got most his action subbing for Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, scoring five touchdowns, four of them from inside three yards out and a fifth from seven yards out.
Younger RB Lynell Hamilton, a 2008 undrafted free agent who has fought his way to playing time with the Saints, may replace Bell in the closer's role in 2010. Hamilton scored three touchdowns in 2009, both from one yard out.
Bell is a restricted free agent tendered at a level with no compensation for the Saints should he leave. The Saints do have right of first refusal on any contract offer sheet Bell signs.
Bell has been a Saint since November 2008 and contributed to a runningback rotation this season as the Saints' made their Super Bowl XLIV run. He rushed 172 times for 654 yards, his best season since 2006 with Denver.
Bell missed an opportunity for immortality, slipping and falling on a goal line run (2:20) in the second quarter of the Super Bowl. After the run, NFL Films caught head coach Sean Payton angrily blaming the gaffe for Bell's decision in shoes.
Bell started three games for the Saints in 2009 but got most his action subbing for Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, scoring five touchdowns, four of them from inside three yards out and a fifth from seven yards out.
Younger RB Lynell Hamilton, a 2008 undrafted free agent who has fought his way to playing time with the Saints, may replace Bell in the closer's role in 2010. Hamilton scored three touchdowns in 2009, both from one yard out.
Free Agency quiet in Metairie, Saints retain two
- A pair of reserves, C Nick Leckey and S Pierson Prioleau, have re-signed in New Orleans.
Leckey is the top backup at center now with the departure of interior utilityman Jamar Nesbit. It isn't likely he'll be challenging for the starting job, though Leckey has started 32 games in his seven year career with three teams, though no starts have come with the Saints. Leckey is eight years out of Kansas State.
Prioleau is Gregg Williams' boy, with the reserve safety following Williams through four cities now. Preceeding New Orleans, Prioleau played under Williams in Buffalo, Washington and Jacksonville. A special teamer and situational defensive backup, Prioleau will be 33 this season, his 12th out of Virginia Tech. Prioleau is a good locker room and glue guy, and a helpful insider evangelist of Williams' often practice methods and defensive system. - Prioleau isn't the only safety the Saints have talked to. Their own Darren Sharper remains on the free agent market, and talks between the two sides have been "positive." Sharper is still local, as we noted yesterday, but one of his strongest outside suitors, the New York Giants, signed ex-Arizona safety Antrel Rolle to the largest contract at the position ever.
- The Saints' other unrestricted free agent starter, LB Scott Fujita, is visiting the Browns today in Cleveland.
- Saints CB Jabari Greer had his number retired in a ceremony at his high school in Jackson, Tennessee.
- Around the league: Former Saints draft pick Andy Alleman signed with the Colts, former Saints defensive tackle Grady Jackson was cut by the Lions, former Saints receiver Terrance Copper re-signed with the Chiefs.
March 5, 2010
Sharper still local, Evans sticking, Fujita leaving?
Darren Sharper is an unrestricted free agent and no hard news yet, but he is scheduled to sign copies of NFL Film's Super Bowl XLIV DVD on Tuesday, March 9th in Slidell. It would be awkward if he wasn't a Saint at that point.
Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting two Saints bits:
For both players, the Saints may not need to beat or match the offer, but come close enough.
Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting two Saints bits:
- Saints starting right guard Jahri Evans could be landing a blockbuster deal, in terms of offensive guards anyway, soon.
- Unrestricted free agent LB Scott Fujita, who lives in downtown New Orleans near Sharper and has been a mainstay on defense, is heading to Cleveland for a visit with the Browns.
For both players, the Saints may not need to beat or match the offer, but come close enough.
Saints tender RB Mike Bell after all
According to the Saints' official press release, restricted free agent RB Mike Bell was tendered after all.
Bell is listed with a right of first refusal tender, the lower tier. Since Bell entered the league as an undrafted free agent, the Saints would be due no compensation should he sign an offer sheet with another team.
CB Leigh Torrence and FB Kyle Eckel were not listed, were not given restricted free agent tenders and entered unrestricted free agency today.
Bell is listed with a right of first refusal tender, the lower tier. Since Bell entered the league as an undrafted free agent, the Saints would be due no compensation should he sign an offer sheet with another team.
CB Leigh Torrence and FB Kyle Eckel were not listed, were not given restricted free agent tenders and entered unrestricted free agency today.
March 4, 2010
Uncapped "final league year" begins
The uncapped season is upon us, designed as the final league year in the current CBA with special rules meant to discourage it ever happening.
The league owners and its player union were unable to agree on a new CBA in a series of bickering, fruitless meetings at and after the combine in Indianapolis. Read here for a good review of the new rules in place for 2010 and 2010 only. Should the two sides not agree on a new CBA before this time next season, there would be a work stoppage via a player lockout.
In a sense, the Saints got their Super Bowl in before all hell broke loose.
As has been discussed, the Saints are handcuffed in free agency this year, a product of being one of the Final 8 teams alive in the playoffs. Any player whose contract expired at the start of Free Agency at midnight on March 5 is not eligible to sign with New Orleans until the Saints lose one of their own players to another team.
The Saints can, however, sign any player whose contract was terminated before free agency opened. For example, the Chargers released RB LaDainian Tomlinson. Since Tomlinson is a free agent by way of being cut, not an expiring contract, all 32 teams have the opportunity to sign him immediately.
The Saints have two big free agent targets hitting the open market, starting free safety Darren Sharper and starting strongside linebacker Scott Fujita. Sharper's availability has drawn the most attention on the free market.
Saints GM Mickey Loomis is likely taking a check-with-me approach to Sharper, Fujita and with RB Mike Bell, a restricted free agent the team chose not to protect. The Saints hope they have a tacit right of refusal agreement, will check the numbers of any offer that Sharper and Fujita garner and then make a decision to match.
The Saints are in essence letting the market determine the player's value, not a bad approach. Similar strategies work last year when the Saints were unable to seal a deal with MLB Jonathan Vilma or WR Devery Henderson before the market opened. Both received big offers, both from Tampa Bay, and the Saints were able to retain both players with competitive contracts.
Meanwhile, notes from around the league:
Saints FB Heath Evans, a University of Auburn graduate, wrote: "Charles Grant...gonna miss ya bro!! Great teammate! Great Player! Big dude w/ a big heart....even though he went to UGA!!"
The league owners and its player union were unable to agree on a new CBA in a series of bickering, fruitless meetings at and after the combine in Indianapolis. Read here for a good review of the new rules in place for 2010 and 2010 only. Should the two sides not agree on a new CBA before this time next season, there would be a work stoppage via a player lockout.
In a sense, the Saints got their Super Bowl in before all hell broke loose.
As has been discussed, the Saints are handcuffed in free agency this year, a product of being one of the Final 8 teams alive in the playoffs. Any player whose contract expired at the start of Free Agency at midnight on March 5 is not eligible to sign with New Orleans until the Saints lose one of their own players to another team.
The Saints can, however, sign any player whose contract was terminated before free agency opened. For example, the Chargers released RB LaDainian Tomlinson. Since Tomlinson is a free agent by way of being cut, not an expiring contract, all 32 teams have the opportunity to sign him immediately.
The Saints have two big free agent targets hitting the open market, starting free safety Darren Sharper and starting strongside linebacker Scott Fujita. Sharper's availability has drawn the most attention on the free market.
Saints GM Mickey Loomis is likely taking a check-with-me approach to Sharper, Fujita and with RB Mike Bell, a restricted free agent the team chose not to protect. The Saints hope they have a tacit right of refusal agreement, will check the numbers of any offer that Sharper and Fujita garner and then make a decision to match.
The Saints are in essence letting the market determine the player's value, not a bad approach. Similar strategies work last year when the Saints were unable to seal a deal with MLB Jonathan Vilma or WR Devery Henderson before the market opened. Both received big offers, both from Tampa Bay, and the Saints were able to retain both players with competitive contracts.
Meanwhile, notes from around the league:
- In the days leading up to free agency, these ex-Saints signed elsewhere: DT Marlon Favorite (Bills), QB Tyler Palko (Chiefs), DT Montavious Stanley (Jaguars). And these ex-Saints were cut: P Dirk Johnson (Bucs), RB Michael Bennett (Chargers).
- Former Saints and ULL quarterback Jake Delhomme, who left the team after the 2002 for starter's money and a starter's job in Carolina, will be released by the Panthers, less than a year after signing a new contract extension with $20 million in guarantees.
Could the Saints, with Mark Brunell hitting the open market, bring back a local son? Could Saints fans forgive Delhomme for going 8-3 against his hometown team as a Panther?
Saints FB Heath Evans, a University of Auburn graduate, wrote: "Charles Grant...gonna miss ya bro!! Great teammate! Great Player! Big dude w/ a big heart....even though he went to UGA!!"
Saints to release Charles Grant, Nesbit, Simoneau
The Saints will part ways with the last of the 2002 draft class at the beginning of free agency.
2002 first round draft pick DE Charles Grant, three years into a seven year contract, will be released, leaving a pressing need at defensive end. Grant, whose Saints tenure was replete big hits, big quotes, injuries, an off-field manslaughter charge and the Starcaps case, will become a free agent on the first day of free agency, March 5.
Grant was one half of the compensation paid for RB Ricky Williams to the Saints from the Dolphins. Two first round picks were paid over two seasons, one of which became Grant and the other traded for the rights to get bust DT Jonathan Sullivan.
Grant missed the end of the past two seasons with triceps injuries that required surgery. He was lost in the season finale of the Saints' 13-3 season and did not play in the playoffs. Grant got off to a hot start in 2009, collecting back-to-back two-sack games in weeks three and four. But he collected only 1.5 sacks the rest of the year. He started all 16 regular season games but gave way to backups Bobby McCray and Jeff Charleston regularly during games.
Grant was the longest tenured current Saint and started 106 regular season games and two playoff games, both in 2006. He has 47 career sacks.
His release is due in most part to his massive seven year contract, signed in the 2007 offseason, which carries a total value of $63 million and $20 million in guaranteed money.
Grant and Tennessee WR Donte Stallworth were the Saints' two first round picks in 2002, 13th and 25th overall.
The Saints also released LB Marc Simoneau, who was acquired from the Eagles when the Saints traded Stallworth away after the 2005 season. Simoneau missed the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV run with a preseason triceps injury. He spent the entire season on injured reserve.
The team also released veteran Jamar Nesbit, the elder statesman of the Saints' offensive line. Nesbit, 33, started 33 games for the Saints since joining the team in 2004, but did not start in 2009 and has started only three games since the end of the 2007 season.
Simoneau and Nesbit will also be unrestricted free agents.
2002 first round draft pick DE Charles Grant, three years into a seven year contract, will be released, leaving a pressing need at defensive end. Grant, whose Saints tenure was replete big hits, big quotes, injuries, an off-field manslaughter charge and the Starcaps case, will become a free agent on the first day of free agency, March 5.
Grant was one half of the compensation paid for RB Ricky Williams to the Saints from the Dolphins. Two first round picks were paid over two seasons, one of which became Grant and the other traded for the rights to get bust DT Jonathan Sullivan.
Grant missed the end of the past two seasons with triceps injuries that required surgery. He was lost in the season finale of the Saints' 13-3 season and did not play in the playoffs. Grant got off to a hot start in 2009, collecting back-to-back two-sack games in weeks three and four. But he collected only 1.5 sacks the rest of the year. He started all 16 regular season games but gave way to backups Bobby McCray and Jeff Charleston regularly during games.
Grant was the longest tenured current Saint and started 106 regular season games and two playoff games, both in 2006. He has 47 career sacks.
His release is due in most part to his massive seven year contract, signed in the 2007 offseason, which carries a total value of $63 million and $20 million in guaranteed money.
Grant and Tennessee WR Donte Stallworth were the Saints' two first round picks in 2002, 13th and 25th overall.
The Saints also released LB Marc Simoneau, who was acquired from the Eagles when the Saints traded Stallworth away after the 2005 season. Simoneau missed the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV run with a preseason triceps injury. He spent the entire season on injured reserve.
The team also released veteran Jamar Nesbit, the elder statesman of the Saints' offensive line. Nesbit, 33, started 33 games for the Saints since joining the team in 2004, but did not start in 2009 and has started only three games since the end of the 2007 season.
Simoneau and Nesbit will also be unrestricted free agents.
March 1, 2010
Saints offer RG Evans highest RFA tender
For the moment, the Saints have been unable to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with star right guard Jahri Evans.
For the moment, he will be protected by the highest possible restricted free agent tender, a one-year, $3.168 million offer.
It is still possible any day for the Saints to sign Evans to a multi-year contract.
Compensation, should another team use the restricted free agency system to pry Evans away, would be in the form of 1st and 3rd round draft picks. That is not likely to happen.
For the moment, he will be protected by the highest possible restricted free agent tender, a one-year, $3.168 million offer.
It is still possible any day for the Saints to sign Evans to a multi-year contract.
Compensation, should another team use the restricted free agency system to pry Evans away, would be in the form of 1st and 3rd round draft picks. That is not likely to happen.
Remaining RFA's to be tendered by March 4 if at all
There is a March 4 afternoon deadline to submit restricted free agency tenders to players with three, four, or five years of NFL veterancy.
A flurry of tender offers last week left RB Mike Bell, DE Jeff Charleston, FB Kyle Eckel, RG Jahri Evans and CB Leigh Torrence without offers that would have made them unrestricted free agents on Friday.
We know that Jahri Evans won't hit the open market. The Saints will either announce a new long-term, big-money deal for the league's best offensive guard or place the highest possible RFA tender on him.
The others are reserve players who contributed but did not start, much less star, for the 2009 Saints.
Online reports indicate that RB Mike Bell has received a tender offer at the lowest level, which carries no compensation for the Saints should he leave via an RFA offer letter. Bell is the third or fourth horse in the Saints' runningback stable, depending on how Lynell Hamilton will be used in 2010.
Charleston, Eckel and Torrence will likely receive a similar offer - no compensation - or be allowed to hit the open market. Charleston and Torrence are buring on the depth charts of their positions while Eckel was a fill-in at fullback, a loosely-defined and non-critical job in Payton's offense.
A flurry of tender offers last week left RB Mike Bell, DE Jeff Charleston, FB Kyle Eckel, RG Jahri Evans and CB Leigh Torrence without offers that would have made them unrestricted free agents on Friday.
We know that Jahri Evans won't hit the open market. The Saints will either announce a new long-term, big-money deal for the league's best offensive guard or place the highest possible RFA tender on him.
The others are reserve players who contributed but did not start, much less star, for the 2009 Saints.
Online reports indicate that RB Mike Bell has received a tender offer at the lowest level, which carries no compensation for the Saints should he leave via an RFA offer letter. Bell is the third or fourth horse in the Saints' runningback stable, depending on how Lynell Hamilton will be used in 2010.
Charleston, Eckel and Torrence will likely receive a similar offer - no compensation - or be allowed to hit the open market. Charleston and Torrence are buring on the depth charts of their positions while Eckel was a fill-in at fullback, a loosely-defined and non-critical job in Payton's offense.
February 26, 2010
Details on Thursday's RFA tenders
Details on the restricted free agency tenders applied to more than a dozen Saints on Thursday.
OT Jammal Brown received the highest possible tender - right of first refusal and first- and third-round picks, a one-year contract over 3.6 million. Brown could still be traded for terms less than that staggering price tag.
The Saints' other two standout tackles, Jermon Bushrod and Zach Strief, are also restricted free agents with the second round pick tender.
Starting right tackle Jon Stinchcomb, coming off his first Pro Bowl, is under contract through 2013.
Its entirely likely that one of the trio of Strief, Bushrod or Brown will be traded.
S Roman Harper received an RFA tender at the first round pick level. Two more Saints received second round tenders: WR Lance Moore, RB Pierre Thomas. Reported earlier, Strief and Bushrod also received second round tenders.
DT Anthony Hargrove, TE David Thomas and WR Courtney Roby all received third round tenders. S Usama Young's tender carries a third round pick as well, but was tendered at the original draft pick level.
Also tendered at the original draft pick level were LB Marvin Mitchell (seventh round), DT Remi Ayodele (undrafted, no compensation) and special teamer S Chris Reis (undrafted, no compensation).
February 25, 2010
Saints announce more tender offers, more news expected soon
The Saints have not announced which level of tender was applied, but these RFA's will be tendered.
Any restricted free agent-to-be that doesn't receive a tender by the start of free agency become unrestricted free agents.
The Saints announced undetermined tenders for these RFA's: DT Remi Ayodele, LT Jammal Brown, DT Anthony Hargrove, SS Roman Harper, LB Marvin Mitchell, WR Lance Moore, S Chris Reis, WR Courtney Roby, TE David Thomas and RB Pierre Thomas.
We previously learned the tender offers for T Zach Strief and DB Usama Young.
Also reported today was that LT Jermon Bushrod had received a second-round tender offer.
Still unannounced are RB Mike Bell, DE Jeff Charleston, FB Kyle Eckel, RG Jahri Evans, CB Leigh Torrence. That doesn't mean they will become free agents, far from that in fact. The Saints may be preparing a long-term deal with Evans to save the formality of the 1st and 3rd round pick tender offer. Evans is not only the most prized Saint not currently under contract for 2011, but one of the best offensive linemen in the league.
We'd be surprised if the Saints allowed Mike Bell to hit the open market, though Bell may be requesting the opportunity. The Saints could take a similar approach with Bell and starting free safety Darren Sharper, an unrestricted free agent - allow the players to hit the open market with a tacit right to match the best offer received. It may also be that the Saints just haven't announced Bell's tender offer.
Charleston, Eckel and Torrence are reserves who played in 2009.
Any restricted free agent-to-be that doesn't receive a tender by the start of free agency become unrestricted free agents.
The Saints announced undetermined tenders for these RFA's: DT Remi Ayodele, LT Jammal Brown, DT Anthony Hargrove, SS Roman Harper, LB Marvin Mitchell, WR Lance Moore, S Chris Reis, WR Courtney Roby, TE David Thomas and RB Pierre Thomas.
We previously learned the tender offers for T Zach Strief and DB Usama Young.
Also reported today was that LT Jermon Bushrod had received a second-round tender offer.
Still unannounced are RB Mike Bell, DE Jeff Charleston, FB Kyle Eckel, RG Jahri Evans, CB Leigh Torrence. That doesn't mean they will become free agents, far from that in fact. The Saints may be preparing a long-term deal with Evans to save the formality of the 1st and 3rd round pick tender offer. Evans is not only the most prized Saint not currently under contract for 2011, but one of the best offensive linemen in the league.
We'd be surprised if the Saints allowed Mike Bell to hit the open market, though Bell may be requesting the opportunity. The Saints could take a similar approach with Bell and starting free safety Darren Sharper, an unrestricted free agent - allow the players to hit the open market with a tacit right to match the best offer received. It may also be that the Saints just haven't announced Bell's tender offer.
Charleston, Eckel and Torrence are reserves who played in 2009.
February 24, 2010
Saints begin to corralle RFAs; more notes
Here are the various tenders that can be offered to a restricted free agent, of which the Saints have 18:
This is the real damage of the uncapped season, that players like LT Jammal Brown will be given a one-year contract worth just over $3 million instead of a multi-year contract with $10+ million in guaranteed money.
The Saints began the process of tendering their free agents with the first two reported today: a tender offer carrying a second round pick for versatile T Zach Strief (the same offer he received last year) and an original draft round tender for CB/FS Usama Young (worth a third round pick).
Strief has started only on spot duty through his career in New Orleans, but was never more valuable in Super Bowl XLIV, when he played an innovative roaming third tackle, often in spread formation, sometimes even going in motion. The massive Strief has filled in at both right and left tackle and is a valuable utilityman on a deep Saints offensive line. Strief filled in a left tackle at times this past season, especially when Jermon Bushrod faltered.
Young is a tall, speedy defensive back who was ostensibly moved to free safety when Gregg Williams arrived. But Young played both safety and cornerback this season, especially when the Saints were ravaged by injuries at cornerback. Young lined up at cornerback in the Super Bowl, when Payton Manning completed his only touchdown pass of the game to Pierre Garcon, who beat Young's press to the back of the end zone. Young is still a young, high-character player who was also featured in an NFL-shot Super Bowl XLIII commercial that was voted a fan favorite.
Around the league:
K Olindo Mare, once the highly-regarded Saints replacement for John Carney who didn't last a season with struggles in the Superdome, has bounced around the league. He was verbally blasted by the Seahawks' former coach Jim Mora after a loss to Chicago in which Mare missed two field goals. He's already recovered enough with Seattle's new administration to be retained with the franchise tag, with a price of $2.814 million. The Saints' spectacular second-year kicker Garrett Hartley made $385,000 in 2009.
Former Saints WR David Patten has signed with the Patriots. It will be the second tour of duty with the Patriots for Patten, 35, having played there for four years prior to joining the Saints in 2005.
Since the Super Bowl, the Saints have begun to fill their offseason roster with street free agents. There are a host of familiar names on the list, many of which have already been to one training camp with the Saints (*), ordered from most recent:
FB Zak Keasey
*G Tim Duckworth
*DT Earl Heyman
CB Glenn Sharpe
OL NaShan Goddard
*CB Greg Fassitt
TE Tyler Lorenzen
*T Jermey Parnell
The Saints also waived WR D'Juan Woods.
- Right of First Refusal
- Right of First Refusal + Pick in player’s original draft round
- Right of First Refusal + Second-Round Draft Pick
- Right of First Refusal + First-Round Draft Pick
- Right of First Refusal + First- AND Third-Round Draft Picks
This is the real damage of the uncapped season, that players like LT Jammal Brown will be given a one-year contract worth just over $3 million instead of a multi-year contract with $10+ million in guaranteed money.
The Saints began the process of tendering their free agents with the first two reported today: a tender offer carrying a second round pick for versatile T Zach Strief (the same offer he received last year) and an original draft round tender for CB/FS Usama Young (worth a third round pick).
Strief has started only on spot duty through his career in New Orleans, but was never more valuable in Super Bowl XLIV, when he played an innovative roaming third tackle, often in spread formation, sometimes even going in motion. The massive Strief has filled in at both right and left tackle and is a valuable utilityman on a deep Saints offensive line. Strief filled in a left tackle at times this past season, especially when Jermon Bushrod faltered.
Young is a tall, speedy defensive back who was ostensibly moved to free safety when Gregg Williams arrived. But Young played both safety and cornerback this season, especially when the Saints were ravaged by injuries at cornerback. Young lined up at cornerback in the Super Bowl, when Payton Manning completed his only touchdown pass of the game to Pierre Garcon, who beat Young's press to the back of the end zone. Young is still a young, high-character player who was also featured in an NFL-shot Super Bowl XLIII commercial that was voted a fan favorite.
Around the league:
K Olindo Mare, once the highly-regarded Saints replacement for John Carney who didn't last a season with struggles in the Superdome, has bounced around the league. He was verbally blasted by the Seahawks' former coach Jim Mora after a loss to Chicago in which Mare missed two field goals. He's already recovered enough with Seattle's new administration to be retained with the franchise tag, with a price of $2.814 million. The Saints' spectacular second-year kicker Garrett Hartley made $385,000 in 2009.
Former Saints WR David Patten has signed with the Patriots. It will be the second tour of duty with the Patriots for Patten, 35, having played there for four years prior to joining the Saints in 2005.
Since the Super Bowl, the Saints have begun to fill their offseason roster with street free agents. There are a host of familiar names on the list, many of which have already been to one training camp with the Saints (*), ordered from most recent:
FB Zak Keasey
*G Tim Duckworth
*DT Earl Heyman
CB Glenn Sharpe
OL NaShan Goddard
*CB Greg Fassitt
TE Tyler Lorenzen
*T Jermey Parnell
The Saints also waived WR D'Juan Woods.
Saints 2010 Restricted Free Agents
Assuming a sudden and surprising extension of the CBA, 18 Saints from the 2009 season will hit the open market as restricted free agents.
* 2009-10 Starter
^ Played in Super Bowl XLIV
# 2010 Pro Bowler
! Would have been an unrestricted free agent, if not for "Final League Year "
Format: Position, Name, how acquired, when acquired
Restricted free agents:
*^ DT Remi Ayodele - free agent, 2008
!^ RB Mike Bell - free agent, 2008
! LT Jammal Brown - 1st round pick, 2005
*^ LT Jermon Bushrod - 4th round pick, 2007
^ DE Jeff Charleston - free agent, 2008
*^ FB Kyle Eckel - free agent, 2008
!*^# RG Jahri Evans - 4th round pick, 2006
!^ DT Anthony Hargrove - free agent, 2009
!*^# SS Roman Harper - 2nd round pick, 2006
^ LB Marvin Mitchell - 7th round pick, 2007
!^ WR Lance Moore - free agent, 2005
^ S Chris Reis - free agent, 2007
!^ WR/KR Courtney Roby - free agent, 2008
!^ T Zach Strief - 7th round pick, 2006
*^ Pierre Thomas - undrafted free agent, 2007
! CB Leigh Torrence - free agent, 2008
^ Usama Young - 3rd round pick, 2007
**UPDATED 2/24/2010
* 2009-10 Starter
^ Played in Super Bowl XLIV
# 2010 Pro Bowler
! Would have been an unrestricted free agent, if not for "Final League Year "
Format: Position, Name, how acquired, when acquired
Restricted free agents:
*^ DT Remi Ayodele - free agent, 2008
!^ RB Mike Bell - free agent, 2008
! LT Jammal Brown - 1st round pick, 2005
*^ LT Jermon Bushrod - 4th round pick, 2007
^ DE Jeff Charleston - free agent, 2008
*^ FB Kyle Eckel - free agent, 2008
!*^# RG Jahri Evans - 4th round pick, 2006
!^ DT Anthony Hargrove - free agent, 2009
!*^# SS Roman Harper - 2nd round pick, 2006
^ LB Marvin Mitchell - 7th round pick, 2007
!^ WR Lance Moore - free agent, 2005
^ S Chris Reis - free agent, 2007
!^ WR/KR Courtney Roby - free agent, 2008
!^ T Zach Strief - 7th round pick, 2006
*^ Pierre Thomas - undrafted free agent, 2007
! CB Leigh Torrence - free agent, 2008
^ Usama Young - 3rd round pick, 2007
**UPDATED 2/24/2010
Free Agency opens next Friday
The most bizarre opening day of free agency will begin on Friday, March 5.
That is, unless a miraculous kumbaya happens today, February 25, at a CBA negotiating meeting in Indianapolis. What is far more likely to happen after that meeting is an escalation of the combative rhetoric that has history's most successful sports league barreling towards a cliff.
A 2010 offseason referred to in the CBA as the "Final League Year" that was crafted to force both sides to re-up the CBA before it could exist will exist. Here's some ways that the uncapped offseason will affect the Super Bowl XLIV champions:
That is, unless a miraculous kumbaya happens today, February 25, at a CBA negotiating meeting in Indianapolis. What is far more likely to happen after that meeting is an escalation of the combative rhetoric that has history's most successful sports league barreling towards a cliff.
A 2010 offseason referred to in the CBA as the "Final League Year" that was crafted to force both sides to re-up the CBA before it could exist will exist. Here's some ways that the uncapped offseason will affect the Super Bowl XLIV champions:
- The Final Eight plan: constrains the final eight finishers in the 2009 playoffs in terms of signing free agents. The Saints (along with Arizona, Baltimore, Dallas, Indianapolis, Minnesota, New York Jets, and San Diego) cannot sign a free agent before one of their own free agents is signed away from them.
- Additionally, an NBA-like rule constraints them: new free agent contract values for year one cannot be greater than the year one contract values of the free agent lost. That means the Saints would not be able to sign a big-money contract after losing a lesser free agent to another team. (And on that note, don't expect the Saints to be signing any big-money contracts.)
- That stipulation also applies to trades. The Saints cannot trade for a player whose contract would violate the above rule, that is, the Saints couldn't trade for a big-money player after losing a lesser free agent to another team.
- The Saints are permitted to trade for a big-money player under one condition: they give up two first round picks for a franchise tagged player. Also not likely.
- The one respite the Top 8 teams get is for players who were released from their contracts. (Hello, ex-Charger LaDainian Tomlinson.)
- All teams have access to a franchise tag and a transition tag. The Saints don't appear to using either on their two major unrestricted free agents, FS Darren Sharper and LB Scott Fujita.
- There is no salary cap. There is also no salary floor. Of the two extremes, which do you think Tom Benson will lean towards? Teams like the Steelers and Lions will constrain themselves to self-imposed salary caps, which may be a smart move if the salary cap ever returns.
February 22, 2010
Saints 2010 Unrestricted Free Agents
Assuming a sudden and surprising extension of the CBA, 10 Saints from the 2009 season will hit the open market as unrestricted free agents.
* 2009-10 Starter
^ Played in Super Bowl XLIV
# 2010 Pro Bowler
Format: Position, Name, how acquired, when acquired
Unrestricted free agents:
^QB Mark Brunell - free agent, 2008
DT Kendrick Clancy - free agent, 2007
TE Darnell Dinkins - free agent, 2009
*^SLB Scott Fujita - free agent, 2006
*^LS Jason Kyle - free agent, 2009
^C Nick Leckey - free agent, 2009
TE Billy Miller - free agent, 2006
^S Pierson Prioleau - free agent, 2009
*^#FS Darren Sharper - free agent, 2009
DE Paul Spicer - free agent, 2009
* 2009-10 Starter
^ Played in Super Bowl XLIV
# 2010 Pro Bowler
Format: Position, Name, how acquired, when acquired
Unrestricted free agents:
^QB Mark Brunell - free agent, 2008
DT Kendrick Clancy - free agent, 2007
TE Darnell Dinkins - free agent, 2009
*^SLB Scott Fujita - free agent, 2006
*^LS Jason Kyle - free agent, 2009
^C Nick Leckey - free agent, 2009
TE Billy Miller - free agent, 2006
^S Pierson Prioleau - free agent, 2009
*^#FS Darren Sharper - free agent, 2009
DE Paul Spicer - free agent, 2009
February 18, 2010
NFL claims limited victory in Minnesota
A partial ruling from a state judge in Minnesota in the Starcaps case has the NFL crowing this morning.
NFL public relations head Greg Aiello commented: "Minny Judge Larson has tossed most of the player state law claims in the Star Caps case.
"Today's decision, along with the federal court decisions in this case, properly rejected virtually all of the claims asserted against the NFL's program on performance enhancing drugs."
Virtually, but not all. Two rulings remain that could in the end result in a permanent legal shield against Starcaps suspensions for Vikings players (and by league extension, all players including two current Saints).
Aiello's statement ended with "We are confident that we will prevail on the remaining two claims."
NFL public relations head Greg Aiello commented: "Minny Judge Larson has tossed most of the player state law claims in the Star Caps case.
"Today's decision, along with the federal court decisions in this case, properly rejected virtually all of the claims asserted against the NFL's program on performance enhancing drugs."
Virtually, but not all. Two rulings remain that could in the end result in a permanent legal shield against Starcaps suspensions for Vikings players (and by league extension, all players including two current Saints).
Aiello's statement ended with "We are confident that we will prevail on the remaining two claims."
Starcaps ruling in Minnesota expected
A ruling on the Starcaps case is expected Thursday in state court in Minnesota.
Hennepin County Judge Gary Larson will decide whether or not two Vikings players, defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, can proceed with a suit against the NFL to challenge the league's suspension of the players over bumetanide.
Bumetanide, a weight-loss substance banned by the league, was found in a commercial product called Starcaps, which was cleared by the league's drug testing authority. Five players have four game Starcaps-related suspensions hanging over their heads: the Williamses in Minnesota, Saints defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith, and retired RB Deuce McAllister.
The lawsuit in Minnesota resulted in the judge barring the NFL from prohibiting the Vikings players, based on labor law regarding drug testing. The ruling last September did not shield the Saints players, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell declined to enforce the suspensions on Grant and Smith in the interest of fairness.
Tomorrow's decision could end the legal shield to the suspensions.
Hennepin County Judge Gary Larson will decide whether or not two Vikings players, defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, can proceed with a suit against the NFL to challenge the league's suspension of the players over bumetanide.
Bumetanide, a weight-loss substance banned by the league, was found in a commercial product called Starcaps, which was cleared by the league's drug testing authority. Five players have four game Starcaps-related suspensions hanging over their heads: the Williamses in Minnesota, Saints defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith, and retired RB Deuce McAllister.
The lawsuit in Minnesota resulted in the judge barring the NFL from prohibiting the Vikings players, based on labor law regarding drug testing. The ruling last September did not shield the Saints players, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell declined to enforce the suspensions on Grant and Smith in the interest of fairness.
Tomorrow's decision could end the legal shield to the suspensions.
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