Analyzing the Saints 2010 Free Agents: Linebackers

by Dave Cariello on Feb 21, 2010 6:00 AM CST

There aren't too many players hitting the free agent market from the linebacking unit this off-season and only one, Scott Fujita, would really be considered a key.

Take a look at the Saints three free agent linebackers and discuss.

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Uncapped 2010 off-season disclaimer...

Throughout this series of posts, it's important to keep in mind the very real possibility that a new CBA will not be reached this off-season and that the 2010 season will uncapped. This means that any 4th or 5th year players, who would normally be unrestricted, instead become restricted. For our purposes here, we have assumed there will be no new CBA and are considering these players restricted. This is represented by an asterisk(*). In the unlikely event that a new CBA is reached before the 2010 season, these players would then be considered unrestricted.

Also keep in mind that because of the top eight provision, the Saints will not be allowed to sign any unrestricted free agents unless they let the equal value of unrestricted free agents go.

Scott Fujita

Outside Linebacker

Unrestricted Free Agent

Analysis: I still wouldn't mind seeing the Saints try to upgrade this position but regardless, the Saints will probably keep Fujita around. He will either retain his position as starter or, better still, be a very good backup adding depth to the linebacking corp.

Opinion: He stays.

Anthony Waters

Linebacker

Restricted Free Agent

Analysis: Waters had a combined total of two tackles this season. I doubt he's a priority for the Saints this off-season. Might bring him back if nobody else picks him up.

Opinion: No offer for you.

Marvin Mitchell

Linebacker

Restricted Free Agent

Analysis: Mitchell has been decent in his work as a backup but even better on special teams. He always seems to stick around so I don't see any reason the Saints finally let him go this year.

Opinion: See ya next year.

Poll

Do you expect the Saints to sign Scott Fujita?

Yes

486 votes

No

41 votes

527 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I wouldn't mind upgrading at either OLB positions

but only if it is a sure thing (whoever we would aquire). Making the DL a priority and getting one or 2 studs in there will clearly mean our LB now will play better- their job will be easier. I think our OLBs are pretty good- they don’t get the credit they deserve. We were 16-3 last year and essentially 2 losses shouldn’t even count. Our Lbs were good enought to get us to that point. But, if someome is available that coulc help, I say go for it. But, I really think one DT or one DE should be a priority. I hope Dunbat comes back and is a help. Casillas also. I guess there is an outside chance Simoneau would come back as a backup, but probably not.

"I think we agree, the past is over" - George W Bush
"The greatest enemy of knowlege is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge" Stephen Hawking

by Philinwood on Feb 21, 2010 6:56 AM CST reply actions

Re-sign him for a year or two to mentor the young guys

Can’t rely on him too, too much..

by AKAY47 on Feb 21, 2010 1:21 PM CST reply actions

OLB is a huge priority

I see us trying to replace Fujita via the draft. I think we’ll resign him and hope that a draftee beats him out in camp.

Fujita would be a nice 4th LB to mentor young guys, but he’s one of the weak links on the D – although I must say that after watching the sound FX feature on the superbowl, he can stay on the team as long as he wants

"But tonight the Superbowl belongs to the City of New Orleans" - Roger Goodell 2/7/2010

by SaintBevo on Feb 21, 2010 2:11 PM CST reply actions

Fujita is like Shanle

He is underrated, and did a hell of a job for the Saints, and he’s named Scott. If we’re forced to “settle” for the same linebacking corps next year, I think we’ll do fine.

We need to rebuild the defensive line first. Do that, and like Phillinwood says, it will make the linebackers look better as well. Besides, our future lineup might already be in house: Arnoux/Vilma/Casillas. We won’t know if it works until we try it out.

But by all means: sign Fujita.

"My prediction for next year's SB: Saints vs. 2nd Place."

by MtnExile on Feb 21, 2010 2:37 PM CST reply actions