rotoworld.com:
Saints coach Sean Payton expects to hear back from free agent SS Darren Sharper within the next two weeks.
New Orleans is going to have to make a contract offer first. Sharper visited the team last week but received no proposal. He isn't getting interest elsewhere, but the sides can't come to terms without a contract.
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Though no contract offer was extended Sharper during his visit in New Orleans two weeks ago, Coach Sean Payton said the 33-year-old player has received a semblance of one since then."

I'm guessing they said "Darren, we'd like you to be a Saint. As far as money goes, we're talking, oh you know, somewhere around $XX for a one year deal."

Is this sharp negotiating? Why doesn't Loomis just fax him a standard contract with $XX on it and let the discussions begin?

Rotoworld.com in review:
Jan. 25 - 2:38 pm et
Profootballtalk.com passes along "speculation" that the Saints will make a play for impending free agent Darren Sharper.
Sharper would play free safety in New Orleans. The Saints could try to get him on a one- or two-year deal and draft a safety in the second or third round to develop behind Sharper. At 33, he is not a long-term solution.

Feb. 27 - 6:00 pm et
Darren Sharper will return as the Vikings' starting strong safety this year (2008).
The Vikings paid his $100,000 roster bonus. Sharper made his fourth Pro Bowl in 2007 and picked off four passes. He remains an inconsistent tackler.