Times-Pic:

On adding a power back in the draft or free agency: "We’re dying for a player like that. The injuries really became an issue more than anything else (with McAllister). Great leader. Physical presence. And he ran with great pad level and toughness. To have that versatility is important. People asked after we drafted Reggie, how’s this going to work. It very well can work. It did work. It’s worked for Tennessee this past season. It works for New York (Giants). It’s hard to have just one back in any offense. That versatility is important.

rotoworld.com:

Saints coach Sean Payton is “dying” for a power running back on his roster.
“The day we lose Deuce (McAlister) we go out looking for that profile (of running back),” Payton said. Pierre Thomas keeper league owners can’t love hearing this. Thomas has a good chance to start next season, but it sounds like he’ll face more competition, especially in the red zone.
Feb. 19 – 3:43 p.m. ET
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune

The Saints are not a running team like the Titans or the Giants, they’re heavy on the pass. How are you going to get all these backs the work they need? I suppose the first time Pierre fails to convert on third and short, he’s on the bench and somebody else gets a shot?

Hey, remember Aaron Stecker?? Anyone know his status??

I don’t know if Hamilton will be the answer. Certainly, he could never be what Deuce was earlier in his career. My hope is that they will find a young, “who the hell is this guy?” power-runner with one of their 4th round picks. I like Pierre, but he’s not necessarily a big guy carrying a huge load when he hits you, although he did show some remarkable power at times last season. I doubt Steck will return. He’s had a lot of injuries to deal with. I think Bell is still with the team and will get his chance to earn a permanent spot. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how Payton fills out the RB roster. We need a real running game threat or else defenses will always key on the pass. I think Payton recognizes that. I’d love to see an attempt to create a Saints version of Earth, Wind, and Fire. Reggie’s the “Fire” and Pierre seems more like the “Wind.” Who’s going to be the big bruising “Earth?”

Get on that pole, Rita.

Ms. Rita Benson LeBlanc, Executive Vice President of the New Orleans Saints and Ms. Dana Stumpf, CEO of New Orleans’ professional soccer team, the Jesters, were on hand this morning and given the honors of greasing the poles.

http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Articles/2009/2/Benson20LeBlanc20Partakes20in20Time20Honored20Mardi20Gras20Tradition.aspx

era begin, Deuce is going to back somebody up, and for less money a lot less money, yes i’d love for him to come back as a Saint but we may have passed that road sign already, Hamilton will be a good back-up, Bell could too, but opening day it should be Karney and Thomas in the backfield. I’ve said it on this post and others that Pierre reminds me alot of Dalton Hilliard, but a better receiver than Dalton, its his time now ….have a safe Mardi Gras…..

http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player.php?tqid=6733&type=news&nid=55543

Plus cuz is Payton’s darling. With healthy knees and a chip on his shoulder, Payton has big plans. He isn’t strong on Pierre for some reason. And I wouldn’t doubt if Thomas senses that.

Hilarious!!!

I’m going to miss Deuce as much as anyone, but that’s business. Releasing the often injured running back (due to make 7+ million this year), was no brainer even with his icon status. As far as Lynell Hamilton goes, just watch and see…I have a feeling he’s gonna turn some of your heads. He’s a BIG back that would go nicely in a rotation with Pierre and Reggie.