Possible Free Agent Acquisition: CB Shawn Springs

by Dave Cariello on Mar 1, 2009 7:00 AM CST

Shawn Springs into action. (Photo Source)

The Times-Pic quickly mentioned yesterday that there were unconfirmed reports the Saints were very interested in Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs. Just in case there is any validity to this rumor I figured we ought to take a look at him.

The son of former Cowboys running back Ron Springs, Shawn is a veteran player who missed the better part of last season dealing with a calf injury and was released on Friday to help make cap room for the ridiculous spending spree the Skins have been on this weekend. He had this to say about the situation...

"They did what's best for the team, and I'm happy for them," Springs said in a telephone conversation. "I'm going to miss my friends there, but as long as it makes the team better, I understand. I'm a true fan of the sport."

As the Times-Pic article suggests, the Saints interest in Springs would make sense given his connection to Mickey Loomis during his days in Seattle and Gregg Williams during their time together in Washington.

Stats at a Glance

Shawn Springs #24
Position: Cornerback	Height: 6' 0"
College: Ohio State	Weight: 207
Experience: 12 seasons	Birthday: 3/11/75
High School: Springbrook HS; Silver Spring, MD	Age: 33

Season	Team			Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
Season	Team	G	GS	Total	Solo	Ast	Sck	SFTY	PDef	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TDs	FUM	Lost
2008	Washington Redskins	9	7	36	31	5	1.0	--	7	1	0	0.0	0	0	--	--
2007	Washington Redskins	16	14	62	57	5	0.0	--	15	4	63	15.8	53	0	--	--
2006	Washington Redskins	9	8	38	35	3	0.0	--	7	1	4	4.0	4	0	--	--
2005	Washington Redskins	15	15	50	47	3	0.0	--	8	1	2	2.0	2	0	--	--
2004	Washington Redskins	15	15	64	52	12	6.0	--	7	5	117	23.4	38	0	--	--
2003	Seattle Seahawks	12	8	43	37	6	1.5	--	10	1	8	8.0	8	0	--	--
2002	Seattle Seahawks	15	15	59	54	5	0.0	--	9	3	0	0.0	0	0	--	--
2001	Seattle Seahawks	8	7	20	16	4	0.0	--	3	1	0	0.0	0	0	--	--
2000	Seattle Seahawks	16	16	--	--	--	0.0	--	0	2	8	4.0	8	0	--	--
1999	Seattle Seahawks	16	16	--	--	--	0.0	0	0	5	77	15.4	42	0	--	--
1998	Seattle Seahawks	16	16	--	--	--	0.0	0	0	7	142	20.3	56T	2	--	--
1997	Seattle Seahawks	10	10	--	--	--	0.0	--	0	1	0	0.0	0	0	--	--
TOTAL				372	329	43	8.5	0	66	32	421	--	56	2	0	0

Do the Saints need him?

Actually, I really like this one. Out of all the defensive players the Saints have been looking at so far as free agent acquisitions, Springs is the only one that's ever made an impression on me. I have always liked the Redskins secondary as a unit. Ideally I would like to see the team pick up some younger talent but Shawn Springs is still a top notch player. Plus, he's just a good guy. If the rumors of the Saints interest in Springs are true, he's the candidate I'm backing.

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