Analyzing the Saints 2010 Free Agents: Running Backs & Quarterbacks
by Dave Cariello on Feb 16, 2010 6:00 AM CST
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PrintPart two of our look at this years New Orleans Saints free agent class brings us to the running backs and quarterback.
The toughest decision here is probably regarding what the Saints will do with running back Mike Bell. The other interesting debate might be over whether or not to bring back Mark Brunell for another season. Read, discuss, debate.
Pierre Thomas
Running Back
Restricted Free Agent
Analysis: I've made no bones about my love for Pierre Thomas. Best running back on the team - and underrated across the league - and still young. This is a no-brainer. The Saints tender an offer.
Opinion: He stays.
Mike Bell
Running Back
Unrestricted Free Agent*
Analysis: Bell is another player that will become a restricted free agent if a new CBA isn't reached, which it most likely wont. His production really dropped off during the second half of the season, leaving us to question his durability. The Saints wanted to go after Beanie Wells during last years draft so it wouldn't surprise me to see them actually pull the trigger on a running back this year. Bell may not be much of a priority for the Saints.
Opinion: Minimum offered.
Kyle Eckel
Full Back
Restricted Free Agent
Analysis: There has always been room for only one fullback on the Saints roster so when Heath Evans returns next year, he will undoubtedly be the man. The Saints might want to keep Eckel around for competition purposes but I don't see any serious deals going down.
Opinion: Might not be the last we see of him.
Mark Brunell
Quarterback
Unrestricted Free Agent
Analysis: I've always thought Brunell was a capable backup. If he's not going to retire, I'd like to see him stick around. But if the Saints are looking to free some salary space, Brunell's contract might be a good place to start.
Opinion: Doesn't return.
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Bell...
… Payton was furious when he slipped on that third down on the goal line… it turned out he was wearing the wrong type of cleats…. and he got three reps in that game that’s it… I wouldnt be surprised if he is a goner
Bring the wood
He's a good, hard, runner
just has injury issues that can be a problem. I actually like Hamilton more than Bell at this point.
Get ready to FEEL DAT BREES!!!
by born in areacode 318 on Feb 16, 2010 7:33 AM CST reply actions
I also think w keep Eckle
as insurance during the season and to keep Evans fresh. I think if we have any chance of repeating we need to run even better than we did this season. With Evans back we can have a true FB that can catch out of the back field. The guy was awesome in the beginning of the season. And with Eckle there through training camp and learning from Evans he can only get better and spell Evans when he’s tired.
Get ready to FEEL DAT BREES!!!
by born in areacode 318 on Feb 16, 2010 7:37 AM CST reply actions
Yeah I’d kinda like to see Eckle stick around. Be kinda funny if he turned into the new Bell.
For those who can't remember the uncapped FA rules, this link's for you.
brunnel
is the guts of this team, he needs a long term deal. a max contract if you will
"if you know what life is worth, you will look for yours on earth" Bob Marley
brunnel is the guts of this team,
I think you mean “Brunell has the biggest gut on this team”. Jesus1000, that guy needs to just end it. It’s 2010. Honestly, I’d rather see Chase Daniel as the backup. Totally serious. If Drew should get hurt, the season is over anyway.
"...while the Saints would consistently drop down and take a guys legs out from under him (Improper...)"
I think Bell is a goner
I like Bell but I dont see enough of a difference between his and Hamilton’s running stlye to justify keeping both.
I’m sure Hamilton makes less then Bell so this will be a money decision
World Champions at last
by mississippisaintsfan on Feb 16, 2010 9:07 AM CST reply actions
I’m thinking it’ll be a camp battle with another 2 or 3 guys we don’t even know yet.
"...while the Saints would consistently drop down and take a guys legs out from under him (Improper...)"
Herb Donaldson
still on the practice squad? He could be one of them.
by ReggieVilma on Feb 17, 2010 12:58 AM CST up reply actions
Not quite yet. But the PS can be signed to “futures contracts” at this point in time to secure them for next year’s training camp.
For those who can't remember the uncapped FA rules, this link's for you.
I thought Mike Bell was a restricted free agent?
Ya, he’s pretty much done. What alot of people forget about Mark Brunell is that he’s the holder for Garrett Hartley, so maybe this might affect his kicking next year?
Chase can suck in his second place gut and bend over to hold for Hartley. Has to happen someday, they should start working together during OTA’s.
"...while the Saints would consistently drop down and take a guys legs out from under him (Improper...)"
which reminds me
Hartley is listed at 5’ 8", 196 lbs. I’ve been watching him on TV and I think he’s probably closer to 5’ 7". And I have no idea where he’s carrying that weight because it’s not in his gut, Janikowski style. So I apologize for all the fat F jokes I have made at his expense. He’s not fat. Chase Daniel is fat. And Brunell is a fat old F who needs to be sitting at a desk using a mouse with his left hand.
"...while the Saints would consistently drop down and take a guys legs out from under him (Improper...)"
he can also be a short yardage back (brunnel)
"if you know what life is worth, you will look for yours on earth" Bob Marley
by sernycrusher on Feb 16, 2010 9:17 AM CST up reply actions
short yardage stumbler unless donuts are in sight
"...while the Saints would consistently drop down and take a guys legs out from under him (Improper...)"
i think they worked him at gunner last year in mimi camp
"if you know what life is worth, you will look for yours on earth" Bob Marley
by sernycrusher on Feb 16, 2010 9:59 AM CST up reply actions
*mini
"if you know what life is worth, you will look for yours on earth" Bob Marley
by sernycrusher on Feb 16, 2010 9:59 AM CST up reply actions
I voted in favor of keeping Bell
but I’m not really swayed either way yet. Who can we replace him with who’s gonna give us 600+ yards and 5 TDs from 150+ carries? Do the coaches feel Hamilton is ready for that?
I think Brees benefits from having Brunnell on the sideline
Brunnell has been around long enough to at least give Drew some pointers on the rare instances when Drew isn’t perfect. And that’s really all a 2nd stringer is supposed to be. You are either grooming your next starter, or you have an assistant QB coach. I’m not sure about Chase Danial being either of those things. Chase is a great 3rd string QB, but lets be honest. Most 3rd string QBs are probably drunk by halftime anyways.
"I want to hand this trophy to the MVP of the Super Bowl -- and the MVP of the entire league.''
-- Saints coach Sean Payton, handing the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Drew Brees after Super Bowl 44.
I keep hearing this
Somebody said this to me and I politely agreed: Brunell is a wise old sage who helps Drew a lot with the finer points of the game. ( I argue better on line than I do face to face.)
Maybe the first year this was true. But now? #11 has outlived his usefulness. I can’t see his input being very valuable at all. Drew already has a QB watching and advising: Sean Payton. Not to mention his QB coach, Joe Lombardi (probably watching mechanics and such).
Chase gets into the Little Debbie cupcakes by halftime. And I have to say, those things are pretty good.
You know that what you eat you are,
But what is sweet now, turns so sour.
ohhh
i love those little debbies. maybe thats why im starting to look like chase
"if you know what life is worth, you will look for yours on earth" Bob Marley
by sernycrusher on Feb 16, 2010 11:06 AM CST up reply actions
Saints should draft Toby Gerhart in the 2nd or 3rd round.
I think he could pretty easily fill the role that Mike Bell played this year.
Snap, place, kick! And it's good! It's good! It's goo-hoo-hood! Pigs have flown! Hell Has frozen over! The Saints are going to the Superbowl!
by Joseph William Stern on Feb 16, 2010 12:44 PM CST reply actions
We’re down a 6th for Dave Thomas, if I’m not mistaken.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
David Thomas
NewOrleansSaints.com:
Acquired by Saints from New England Patriots in exchange for a 2011 seventh-round draft choice, 9/5/09
Bargain. Good job Saints front office. Back office. Whatever.
You know that what you eat you are,
But what is sweet now, turns so sour.
i'm not sure where loomis keeps the fax machine (maybe the spare one stays in the back)
"In the end, the bread was in the pudding." Bobby McCray
Would like to see Saints draft . . .
. . . that German from the Stanford Cardinal. #7 Toby Gerhardt.
Bell just never really caught on
I love his running style. I wish he’d be more active in the community but he seems so distant from the Saints team. It’s really clear that Payton doesn’t like him very much. There’s no excuse for slipping on the goal line in the superbowl. Wrong cleats? Seriously? That’s just too stupid to be on the team stupid. I’m really disappointed about Bell because I thought he was better than PT at the start of the season. I still think he’s better than Hamilton but Bell ran poorly in the 2nd half of the season.
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