As we've all know by now, free agent discussions may be moot considering the restrictions placed on top five teams in the off-season. But if the Saints plan to repeat, they're going to have to make a few free agent signings one way or the other. And since no good blog is without it's fair share of baseless speculation, I hereby submit to you the second in my series of glances into the free agent market. Today we'll take another look at the defensive end position, a spot where the Saints could use a little help. Will Aaron Kampman be the answer to our pass rushing questions? Let's get after it.
The Good News: From 2006 to 2008, Green Bay's Aaron Kampman accrued 38 sacks, good enough to lead the NFL in sacks over the '06 and '07 seasons. He has a tall frame, standing 6'5'' and weighing 265 pounds. He struggled in transition between the 4-3 and the the Packers new look 3-4, and is coming off a season that was hampered by an ACL injury, which is undoubtedly going to affect his price tag, and I don't have to tell you the significance of that. Kampman is naturally a defensive end, but has spent some time at outside linebacker, much the same way that Julius Peppers is looking to do wherever he lands.
The Bad News: If the Saints were to jump in the fray over Kampman, they wouldn't be the only ones. The Bears have expressed interest in him, and they don't have the kind of restrictions that we do. The Packers have also made clear that they aren't totally giving up on Kampman, and the field could start getting crowded for Kampman. Will the Saints have enough financial firepower to land Kampman in the event of a bidding war? The question also remains as to whether or not his knee is going to be ready for action in time for training camp. Kampman has been optimistic about making a timely return, but for now we're still in the dark.
Nurse, We Need Those Stats... um... Stat!:
| Season | Team | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||
| G | GS | Comb | Total | Ast | Sck | SFTY | PDef | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TDs | FF | ||
| 2009 | Green Bay Packers | 9 | 9 | 42 | 30 | 12 | 3.5 | -- | 0 | -- | -- | 0.0 | -- | -- | 1 |
| 2008 | Green Bay Packers | 16 | 16 | 62 | 47 | 15 | 9.5 | -- | 1 | -- | -- | 0.0 | -- | -- | 0 |
| 2007 | Green Bay Packers | 15 | 15 | 64 | 48 | 16 | 12.0 | -- | 0 | -- | -- | 0.0 | -- | -- | 1 |
| 2006 | Green Bay Packers | 16 | 16 | 89 | 59 | 30 | 15.5 | -- | 0 | -- | -- | 0.0 | -- | -- | 3 |
UPDATE: According to members of the Milwaukee press, and via our fellow SB Nation Blog, Acme Packing Company, Kampman isn't expected to be back.
Poll
To what extent, on a scale of five, should the World Champs pursue Kampman?
1. Joe, you ignorant slut. (6 votes)
2. No soup for you. (2 votes)
3. What you talkin' bout, loomis? (9 votes)
4. Well isn't that special? (6 votes)
5. Dyn-o-MITE! (18 votes)
41 total votes
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