Saints picks in the 2010 NFL Draft:
1. (32nd overall)
2. (64th overall)
3. (95th overall)
4. (130th overall)
6. (201st overall)
7. (239th overall)
The Saints traded their 5th round pick in a 2009 draft day deal with Philadelphia to move up to draft SMU P Thomas Morstead. The Rams currently own this pick, the 163rd overall.
The Saints pick last in both the first and second rounds, but because of compensatory picks they do not pick last in later rounds.
March 25, 2010
March 23, 2010
Tuesday Saints notes
- Restricted free agent RB Mike Bell is set to become an Eagle at midnight tonight. The Saints are not expected to match an offer sheet Philadelphia signed with Bell worth nearly $1.7 million with $500,000 guaranteed.
That half million is the difference between what the Eagles offered and what the Saints, who tendered him at less than 1.2 million, were willing to pay. - Saints starting LG Carl Nicks was a massive, overpowering tackle at Nebraska. In the pros, he's become a massive, overpowering guard. After replacing Jamar Nesbit, during the veteran's Starcaps suspension, the rookie Nicks played so well that Nesbit didn't win back his starting job in 2008.
Nicks has been rewarded by the league's "performance-based pay" program, which uses a calculation of play time and performance to reward under-paid players. Typically, these are mid to late-round picks like Nicks that are still playing, and playing well, under their rookie contracts.
Nicks earned the sixth-highest award, more than $317,000.
The top earner in the program was Vikings C John Sullivan, who earned a bonus just shy of $400k, play that included a game-saving tackle on CB Tracy Porter in the final seconds of regulation of the NFC Championship game.
Porter could have won the game outright with an interception return for a touchdown had Sullivan not hustled out to bring him down - with blockers in front - near mid-field. As it was, Porter instead won the Super Bowl two weeks later with a game-icing interception return. - The NFL's long-awaited end to sudden death overtime has finally been implemented. Starting in the playoffs for now, new overtime means that the first team to possess the ball will not win the game on a field goal. They will win the game on a touchdown. If the first team kicks a field goal, the second team is guaranteed another possession. Other than that, it remains sudden death after the first possession.
That is, the Saints would not have won the NFC Championship game after driving for a field goal on the opening possession of overtime.
Favre's final throw of the season turned out to be Porter's interception, he never saw the field in overtime. Under new rules, Hartley would have kicked off to the Vikings, who would have one opportunity to win or tie.
Ironically, the Saints ownership voted for the new rules. The Vikings voted against, as did three other teams.
March 22, 2010
Monday Saints notes
- The Saints received no compensatory picks in the 2010 draft, announced on Monday.
The picks, awarded via a fantastically complicated formula in the league office, gives non-tradable picks at the end of round 3-7 to teams that lost players via free agency. - When the league announces prime time games this week, we should see the Saints hosting the Vikings on opening night of the regular season. It's an honor the champions from the prior seasons get.
- The 2011 Spring owner's meetings will be held in New Orleans. That's a lot of big spenders coming to town, and they'll be talking about some pretty heavy subjects.
- Former West Virginia and Tennessee Titan cornerback Adam "Pac Man" Jones worked out in Hahnville on Friday. Jones is a native of Atlanta, Georgia.
Despite the locality, the Saints were not among the five pro teams represented. - Veteran free agent defensive end James Hall was the first free agent visit of the Saints. A New Orleans native, Hall has re-signed with his 2009 team, the St. Louis Rams.
March 18, 2010
First pick of Haslett-Mueller era, DE Darren Howard, cut by Philadelphia
The Saints have been pursuing veteran defensive linemen since free agent opened: Jamal Williams, Leonard Little, and James Hall. Why not add a relatively familiar face to that list in former Saint Darren Howard?
Howard was the second pick of the second round in the 2000 NFL Draft, the highest pick the Saints had left after the Ricky Williams trade the year prior. The Saints were thrilled to add him, as the pass rusher from Kansas State had somehow slipped out of the first round.
Howard was an immediate success in New Orleans, teaming with Joe Johnson, Norman Hand and LaRoi Glover to be the strongest unit on the team as the Saints were propelled to their first playoff victory in franchise history.
Collecting 44.5 sacks in six seasons, Howard left the Saints after the dismal 2005 season for Philadelphia. He started all 16 games for the Eagles and helped them into the divisional playoffs where he would make his last career start in the Superdome in 2006.
In that game, Howard recovered a key late Reggie Bush fumble near midfield that gave the Eagles offense one last shot. The Saints defense was able to shut down McNabb and the Eagles with less than two minutes left, and the Saints offense ran out the clock on a 27-24 victory.
Since then, Howard hasn't started a regular season game but moved into a situational pass rusher role. Playing both end and tackle, the 6'3, 260 pounder collected 17.5 sacks over the past three seasons as the first defensive lineman off the bench for the Eagles. He collected 6.5 sacks in 2009, not a bad number and more than any Saint except for DE Will Smith (13.0).
These stats on IgglesBlog indicate Howard's decline past age 33 however, and help explain why the Eagles made the move to acquire Seahawks DE Darryl Tapp to replace Howard.
We'll see if he draws the Saints' attention.
Howard was the second pick of the second round in the 2000 NFL Draft, the highest pick the Saints had left after the Ricky Williams trade the year prior. The Saints were thrilled to add him, as the pass rusher from Kansas State had somehow slipped out of the first round.
Howard was an immediate success in New Orleans, teaming with Joe Johnson, Norman Hand and LaRoi Glover to be the strongest unit on the team as the Saints were propelled to their first playoff victory in franchise history.
Collecting 44.5 sacks in six seasons, Howard left the Saints after the dismal 2005 season for Philadelphia. He started all 16 games for the Eagles and helped them into the divisional playoffs where he would make his last career start in the Superdome in 2006.
In that game, Howard recovered a key late Reggie Bush fumble near midfield that gave the Eagles offense one last shot. The Saints defense was able to shut down McNabb and the Eagles with less than two minutes left, and the Saints offense ran out the clock on a 27-24 victory.
Since then, Howard hasn't started a regular season game but moved into a situational pass rusher role. Playing both end and tackle, the 6'3, 260 pounder collected 17.5 sacks over the past three seasons as the first defensive lineman off the bench for the Eagles. He collected 6.5 sacks in 2009, not a bad number and more than any Saint except for DE Will Smith (13.0).
These stats on IgglesBlog indicate Howard's decline past age 33 however, and help explain why the Eagles made the move to acquire Seahawks DE Darryl Tapp to replace Howard.
We'll see if he draws the Saints' attention.
Saints visit with free agent RB Fargas
As RB Mike Bell is set to become a member of the Eagles, the Saints visited with free agent RB Justin Fargas on Tuesday.
This is a curious move, in that Bell was given a low tender in part because of the three other backs on the Saints' roster: Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush and Lynell Hamilton. The Saints will also return a healthy Heath Evans, a versatile fullback, in 2010.
Fargas despite being 30 years old has really only received significant playing time in four NFL seasons out of his seven, all with the Raiders. With 80 carries in his first three seasons, he then lead the team in rushing for three straight years before being usurped by Darren McFadden last year.
Fargas broke his leg as a freshman at Michigan, never got on track and transferred to USC as a Senior. Since his arrival in the NFL he's been beset by injuries, including knee injuries in 2003, 2007 and 2009.
Fargas has a collision-happy running style, a mix of Pierre Thomas' never-go-down spinning and fighting and Mike Bell's one-cut sprint. Its been blamed for his near-constant injury issues, though never criticized - Fargas is beloved in Oakland. He was released after the Raiders claim he failed a physical, which Fargas denies.
He remains an unrestricted free agent after also meeting with the Browns, Chiefs and Eagles. No contract offer from the Saints was reported. Fargas was cut by the Raiders, meaning that he would not qualify as the one free agent addition to offset the loss of Scott Fujita.
Fargas is the son of the actor Antonio Fargas, who played "Huggy Bear" on the 1970s TV show Starsky and Hutch.
So the visit with Fargas could be smoke screen, though we're not sure who. Or it could indicate some unannounced problem with Thomas, Bush, or Hamilton.
This is a curious move, in that Bell was given a low tender in part because of the three other backs on the Saints' roster: Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush and Lynell Hamilton. The Saints will also return a healthy Heath Evans, a versatile fullback, in 2010.
Fargas despite being 30 years old has really only received significant playing time in four NFL seasons out of his seven, all with the Raiders. With 80 carries in his first three seasons, he then lead the team in rushing for three straight years before being usurped by Darren McFadden last year.
Fargas broke his leg as a freshman at Michigan, never got on track and transferred to USC as a Senior. Since his arrival in the NFL he's been beset by injuries, including knee injuries in 2003, 2007 and 2009.
Fargas has a collision-happy running style, a mix of Pierre Thomas' never-go-down spinning and fighting and Mike Bell's one-cut sprint. Its been blamed for his near-constant injury issues, though never criticized - Fargas is beloved in Oakland. He was released after the Raiders claim he failed a physical, which Fargas denies.
He remains an unrestricted free agent after also meeting with the Browns, Chiefs and Eagles. No contract offer from the Saints was reported. Fargas was cut by the Raiders, meaning that he would not qualify as the one free agent addition to offset the loss of Scott Fujita.
Fargas is the son of the actor Antonio Fargas, who played "Huggy Bear" on the 1970s TV show Starsky and Hutch.
So the visit with Fargas could be smoke screen, though we're not sure who. Or it could indicate some unannounced problem with Thomas, Bush, or Hamilton.
March 16, 2010
Saints RB Bell to be an Eagle in 7 days
The Eagles have signed Saints restricted free agent RB Mike Bell to a one year, $1.7 million offer sheet.
Bell signed the offer sheet Tuesday night. He appears to be headed for a #2 RB job in Philadelphia. In New Orleans, he would be facing stiff competition from youngster Lynell Hamilton to win the #3 RB job.
The contract includes $500,000 in guaranteed money and with performance incentives, could net Bell over $2 million. That's potentially double what the Saints were willing to pay Bell in 2010, his low restricted free agent tender of $1.176 million.
The Saints will almost certainly decline to match the offer in seven days, and Bell will be an Eagle and the primary backup to LeSean McCoy.
UPDATE: The offer sheet was officially signed and submitted on Wednesday, March 17. The Saints have until Wednesday, March 24 to respond to the offer.
Bell signed the offer sheet Tuesday night. He appears to be headed for a #2 RB job in Philadelphia. In New Orleans, he would be facing stiff competition from youngster Lynell Hamilton to win the #3 RB job.
The contract includes $500,000 in guaranteed money and with performance incentives, could net Bell over $2 million. That's potentially double what the Saints were willing to pay Bell in 2010, his low restricted free agent tender of $1.176 million.
The Saints will almost certainly decline to match the offer in seven days, and Bell will be an Eagle and the primary backup to LeSean McCoy.
UPDATE: The offer sheet was officially signed and submitted on Wednesday, March 17. The Saints have until Wednesday, March 24 to respond to the offer.
March 15, 2010
Saints RFA DT Hargrove to visit Detroit; poison pill possibility
The Saints net sum of transactions so far in free agency 2010 have been the loss of defensive stalwart Scott Fujita, a host of minor re-signings, one incoming visit (free agent DT James Hall) and a few misses (DT Jamal Williams, QB Jake Delhomme, RB LaDainian Tomlinson?).
That may change soon.
Reserve defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove is a restricted free agent with a third-round pick price tag on his head and will be visiting Detroit on Tuesday March 16.
Should he sign an offer sheet with the Lions, the Saints would have seven days to consider matching the offer. Should they match, Hargrove becomes a Saint under those contract terms - essentially, the Lions did the negotiating work for the Saints. Should they decline, Hargrove becomes a Lion, and their 3rd round pick goes to the Saints.
Additionally, restricted free agent Mike Bell will make his second visit. Last week he met with Seattle, now he will meet with Philadelphia.
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.
This is the point where Saints fans should become familiar with the term "poison pill."
The trick is in the wording above - Hargrove becomes a Saint under contract terms that the Lions negotiated. When new teams sign players to restricted offer sheets, they usually (and honestly) do so by offering to play the player more than the old team would care to pay.
For example, the Saints front-loaded their contract offer to CB Jason David in 2007, forcing the Colts' hand to let him leave.
However, three prominent poison pill cases in the past were not so conventional.
The Jets stole RB Curtis Martin from the Patriots with a "poison pill," including language in the contract that would make Martin an unrestricted free agent after only one year if the Patriots matched in 1998.
In 2005, the Vikings used a poison pill to prevent Seattle from matching an offer sheet for star guard Steve Hutchinson. That contract guaranteed the entire balance of Hutchinson's contract if he wasn't the highest-paid offensive lineman on the team. With star LT Walter Jones having recently signed a big contact, had Seattle matched the offer it would have made Hutchinson's contract instantly guaranteed - $49 million. That cap burden would have been damaging to Seattle, or any team.
The Seahawks responded by signing Vikings WR Nate Burleson to a sardonically-matching seven year, $49 million contract offer. This one included a "poison pill" that required Burleson's contact be guaranteed should he play a certain number of games inside the state of Minnesota. To the Seahawks, thanks to certain unlikely incentives, the contract offer was a mere four year, $14 million deal.
The concept of a poison pill was hotly debated after the Seahawks and Vikings sparred via Hutchinson and Burleson, with the Player's Union in favor of them because it furthered the ability of players to move from team to team.
The league disliked it for obvious competitive reasons, and the Vikings caught a storm of strife from the league afterwards. The method is entirely permissible in the books, though that it hasn't happened on such a large scale since 2005 gives belief that the league has strongly discouraged it.
That may change soon.
Reserve defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove is a restricted free agent with a third-round pick price tag on his head and will be visiting Detroit on Tuesday March 16.
Should he sign an offer sheet with the Lions, the Saints would have seven days to consider matching the offer. Should they match, Hargrove becomes a Saint under those contract terms - essentially, the Lions did the negotiating work for the Saints. Should they decline, Hargrove becomes a Lion, and their 3rd round pick goes to the Saints.
Additionally, restricted free agent Mike Bell will make his second visit. Last week he met with Seattle, now he will meet with Philadelphia.
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.
This is the point where Saints fans should become familiar with the term "poison pill."
The trick is in the wording above - Hargrove becomes a Saint under contract terms that the Lions negotiated. When new teams sign players to restricted offer sheets, they usually (and honestly) do so by offering to play the player more than the old team would care to pay.
For example, the Saints front-loaded their contract offer to CB Jason David in 2007, forcing the Colts' hand to let him leave.
However, three prominent poison pill cases in the past were not so conventional.
The Jets stole RB Curtis Martin from the Patriots with a "poison pill," including language in the contract that would make Martin an unrestricted free agent after only one year if the Patriots matched in 1998.
In 2005, the Vikings used a poison pill to prevent Seattle from matching an offer sheet for star guard Steve Hutchinson. That contract guaranteed the entire balance of Hutchinson's contract if he wasn't the highest-paid offensive lineman on the team. With star LT Walter Jones having recently signed a big contact, had Seattle matched the offer it would have made Hutchinson's contract instantly guaranteed - $49 million. That cap burden would have been damaging to Seattle, or any team.
The Seahawks responded by signing Vikings WR Nate Burleson to a sardonically-matching seven year, $49 million contract offer. This one included a "poison pill" that required Burleson's contact be guaranteed should he play a certain number of games inside the state of Minnesota. To the Seahawks, thanks to certain unlikely incentives, the contract offer was a mere four year, $14 million deal.
The concept of a poison pill was hotly debated after the Seahawks and Vikings sparred via Hutchinson and Burleson, with the Player's Union in favor of them because it furthered the ability of players to move from team to team.
The league disliked it for obvious competitive reasons, and the Vikings caught a storm of strife from the league afterwards. The method is entirely permissible in the books, though that it hasn't happened on such a large scale since 2005 gives belief that the league has strongly discouraged it.
March 13, 2010
Notes: Delhomme, Saints in de ja vu
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.
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 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.
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