Opinion: Saints Should Sign DE Alex Brown
by Dave Cariello on Apr 6, 2010 6:00 AM CDT
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PrintFinally a little action going on in Who Dat Nation today. The Saints are going to kick the tires on free agent and former Chicago Bears defensive end Alex Brown when he arrives for a visit today, Chicago Breaking Sports reports.
Brown was released four days ago after the Bears spent the week prior trying to trade him. Unfortunately for Chicago, they were unsuccessful and still unwilling to pay him the $5 million dollars he was owed next season, particularly given the addition of Julius Peppers' fat new contract.
So is this guy worth a look?
Most times, I'd probably say no. There is always a reason aging, free agent lineman are looking for work in the NFL and usually it's not good. But I've done a little research and Alex Brown's case seems to be one of those rare instances when a talented, worthwhile player hits the open market.
"Good," one NFC personnel man familiar with the Bears said when told Brown was being cut loose today. "He's one of their better defensive players."
Before we get carried away, let's always keep in mind that Brown is 31 years old and has eight seasons under his belt. He's not great and certainly not getting better. But he's definitely good. Good enough that the Bears thought he was worth a trade.
I think this situation is very comparable to the decision by the Saints to let Scott Fujita walk earlier this off-season. Like Fujita, Brown is a solid, reliable player with a great work ethic. There's nothing really wrong with either of them but the timing just wasn't right and they're not currently worth all of what they're due to be paid. Their salary doesn't match their production.
But one teams trash can sometimes be another teams treasure. Also like the departure of Fujita, feelings about Brown's absence is mixed. Most Chicago fans don't seem to agree with the decision to release the defensive end and are disappointed to see him go. Another good sign that Brown isn't washed up. Here are a few comments from SB Nation's Bears blog, Windy City Gridiron, that I cherry-picked...
I just don't understand this move
So stupid
Just plain dumb
Stuuupidest move ever.
why?
This makes negative sense, unless they’re freeing up money for something else.
Don't understand, ya think the Bears would stick with the guy who always works hard
This only makes sense
if they are freeing up money to go after Atogwe. Otherwise, it’s a really, really dumb move.
Because his release was announced on April 1st, some fans didn't even know if they should believe the news...
April Fool's??
Pwease? :’(
Is this real or not, I'm confused......
And if that doesn't say enough about him, even the fans who agreed with Brown's release still had nice things to say about him...
compentent pro
Good guy, good attitude, good de. not worth 5m. Can and will be replaced. Wake up.
But this was probably the the most thoughtful comment made about their former defensive end...
The most consistent D-lineman the Bears have had the last eight seasons.
And the most cerebral.
Alex can sniff out a screen better than anyone. He’s solid against the run and a sure tackler. I always have appreciated the way he attacked the QB’s throwing arm (BIG CHOMP). Alex also never gave up on plays. If he was stopped on a rush, immediately he’d be looking for the passing lane to get a Bear paw on the ball. And when asked to drop back into coverage… well… he was the best at that too!
Most admirably, Alex Brown has been a class act. We all know about some of the Bears players gettin’ into some trouble. Alex was never one of them. And someone feel free to correct me on this, but wasn’t the reason why Alex Brown slipped so far in the draft to us, because their were questions raised about his character? If so, he proved them all wrong!
Thanks for eight solid seasons Alex!
Finally, in case none of that is convincing enough, listen to the man himself...
"I believe I can play four or five more years, I mean good years," he said. "Shoot, over the last four, five years I have been so close to having the magical number everyone looks for as far as sacks (10). As far as what I have been doing, I'm in my prime still."
I know we've heard that diatribe many times before, most recently from Charles Grant when he was released a month ago, but by all accounts this situation appears to be different. Alex Brown is no Charles Grant...
He epitomized the underrated qualities of heart, hustle and determination.
His ....
…. work ethic and attuide will always be what I remember him for
Class act and real leader
I will miss seeing Alex Brown give it his all every snap of every game.
Alex is a class guy...
who always gave his best. While I understand the Bears not wanting to shell out the $5mil, it still hurts to see a solid guy not get paid! Especially when many other underachievers get more than they have earned. I hope the Bears don’t miss his consistency on the D-line. Good luck Alex!
Now it's just a question of how much this treasure is worth. If he's not worth $5 million, than what is Brown worth? Well, that's up to the Saints or another NFL team to decide. But it would seem fair to say it will be somewhere in the ballpark of $2 to $4 million dollars.
This guy seems like a winner. The Saints haven't made any big additions to the roster yet this off-season. I'm hoping they make Alex Brown their first.
Your thoughts?
Oh, and here are some numbers and charts for you to look at. Enjoy.
Profile
Salary
Year
Team
Base Salary
Sign Bonus
Other Bonus
Total Salary
Cap Value
Position
2009
Bears
$ 745,000
$ 0
$ 5,070
$ 750,070
$ 2,882,384
DE
Career Stats
Tackles
Interceptions
Year
Team
G
Comb
Total
Ast
Sck
SFTY
PDef
Int
TDs
Yds
Avg
Lng
2009
Chicago Bears
16
48
36
12
6.0
--
1
--
--
--
0.0
--
2008
Chicago Bears
16
44
42
2
6.0
--
6
1
0
-2
-2.0
-2
2007
Chicago Bears
16
41
31
10
4.5
--
5
1
0
7
7.0
7
2006
Chicago Bears
16
46
40
6
7.0
--
2
2
0
22
11.0
18
2005
Chicago Bears
16
45
38
7
6.0
--
6
--
--
--
0.0
--
2004
Chicago Bears
16
50
39
11
6.0
--
8
--
--
--
0.0
--
2003
Chicago Bears
16
58
48
10
5.5
--
5
1
0
0
0.0
0
2002
Chicago Bears
15
40
31
9
2.5
--
3
--
--
--
0.0
--
TOTAL
127
372
305
67
43.5
0
36
5
0
27
--
18
55 comments
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Comments
What are you doing awake that early?
Shouldn’t you be sleeping and dreaming of Giada?
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by Dave Cariello on Apr 6, 2010 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
We are thin at end and at worst can mentor a draft pick... Sign the dude
"Saints don't commit sins, they exorcise demons. The NFL most accurate passer was preaching, and the league MVP watched as the Game MVP delivered an impressive sermon"
Also notice it looks he missed just a game in eight years....
"Saints don't commit sins, they exorcise demons. The NFL most accurate passer was preaching, and the league MVP watched as the Game MVP delivered an impressive sermon"
Very glad to see him visiting today
Good to see that we are the first team getting the chance to offer him a contract. That Lombardi Trophy has to come with some recruiting power, right?
"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 liked the last 30+ year old we got from the NFC North
So why not pick up another 30+ y.o. from the NFC North. The last dude we got from up there was pretty good. Maybe the N.O. heat will warm up his abilities also…
consistent player
I like Alex Brown’s game. He’s more of a professional than Charles Grant and would represent a decent upgrade.
Bring him in and dont let him leave without a contract........
by Saintsfan4life on Apr 6, 2010 8:54 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
you think the Saints should sign him?
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by Dave Cariello on Apr 6, 2010 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I really think his stats are misleading in a good way.
They do not reflect his ability to press the QB. They show average sack talent, but one stat that is equally important that is never included is QB hurries. I think he would be a great fit under GW defense. He would be significant upgrade to C. Grant, and any DE we might draft. If this hole is filled, then the saints can focus on the Best LB vs. Best DT,compared to attempting to evaluate all three on the first pick.
Sign the man to a 1.6 mil base salary with a 250K sign on bonus, 800K in guaranteed, along with 20K for every Sack/INT/FF/FR he delivers on.
definitely sign him
class player with a professional work ethic. He is definitely an upgrade to our defense. Bears dropped him because of money not playing ability.
If you say enough, eventually its going to happen...eventually.
Hey, can a gal get some props for scouting him?
This is when being subjected to Bears games pays off, LOL. My fan shot was 10 days ago on Alex Brown. The Bears are breaking the bank for a make-it-or-break it season with Lovie’s job on the line. Alex was done with them with Pepper’s arrival, IMO. http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2010/3/26/1391695/chicago-bears-defensive-end-alex
"There’s no doubt in my mind that we can win a championship together," Brees said Friday inside the empty media room at the Saints’ headquarters. "Not only for the players and the organization, but for this city. Because no place deserves it more." Drew Brees
by SaintsChick on Apr 6, 2010 11:25 AM CDT reply actions 7 recs
Propped it
in the form of a Rec. Don’t thank me, warden. We’re all on the same team.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
made it green
Good job ’Chick!
Pigs have flown! Hell has frozen over! The Saints HAVE WON the Superbowl!!
Sign him...
Pending workout. I trust the Saints management to judge talent verse team needs.
Most reports point to the fact that he would upgrade our DE position immediately. This would allow us more flexibility in the draft, where the Saints could stick more to the best player available philosophy. I don’t like the prospect of having to load up on defense in the draft, our most pressing need is an outside linebacker. Although we will be getting Arnoux and Dunbar back from injured reserve, I would like to see us pick up a linebacker with a little pass defending skill.
For those numbers?
Hell yeah!
And pick up the LB kid out of Mizzou. What’s the latest mock on him anyway? Anyone privy?
What's up Ryan? ARGHHHHHH!!! oops. ~ Patrick Chewing
Yeah..
figured as much.
Still would be nice to get mid 1st round value at 32.
What's up Ryan? ARGHHHHHH!!! oops. ~ Patrick Chewing
Falcons appear to be scouting him pretty hard
He is in New Orleans for 2 days before going to meet with the folks in Atlanta. It seems the Saints staff would like to be able to draft him, but may not get the chance. He is also scheduled to meet with the Broncos during his little pre-draft tour.
"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.
Seems to fit the mold
Brown’s a pro’s pro, and Payton/Loomis love those type of guys. At the very least he can equal Charles Grant’s pass-rushing acumen at a lower cost. And I’d rather take a chance no veteran revival on the other side of Will Smith than go for a higher-risk draft pick like Carlos Dunlap.
great addition
he inst really an elite DE talent wise, but from what i hear he is more of a kyle vanden bosch type of try hard rusher, but that’s not a bad thing. KVB on his own cant make much noise, but when you put him on a line that had other talent like haynesworth, he was a 10+ sack guy.
considering that he has really been the best player on their very below average DL (Tommy Harris being to inconsistent to count), having him come over to NO where he would not be the main focus of the other teams attention could do wonders. he was just about the only guy other teams had to worry about.
plug this guy in at LE with everyone worrying about smith at RE, and Ellis taking up space in the middle, and i really think he may be able to hit that magical 10 sack number.
It is better to fail historical, than the live in mediocrity- Unknown
by Silo10 on Apr 6, 2010 12:59 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
As a fellow NFC North guy here
First off Marinelli can’t judge talent if it bit him in his face. 2 Brown didn’t fit the mold of the Tampa 2 system that they are trying to run in Chicago. Brown is a mad bull when turned loose and he just doesn’t fit into Marinelli’s smaller DE scheme of things. Trust me on knowing Marinelli’s thought process. Any Lions fan can tell you he can’t judge talent at all, He’s nothing more than a Great LINE coach not a Head Coach or a DC, but when you know how to stroke your coaches ego and have such history with him your going to get bumped up.If Brown is trying to sign here and he will sign for less than that 5 mil, you guys have one of the better DE’s in the conference. So trade us Hargrove.lol
How many lumps you want Doc?
One thing that hasn't been mentioned
is that can/will he switch over to left end. His natural rush comes off the right side. I can’t see GW flipping Will Smith, so if Brown is signed either he would have to or be used to backup Smith. I don’t see that happening.
As far as OLBs, Sergio Kindle is pretty good and should be available at 32.
by WhoDat_OH on Apr 6, 2010 1:36 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
word on the street is...
(and by “the street” i mean me)
they can flip flop them and keep the OL protection scheme guessing.
With the 32nd pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints say "Sean Weatherspoon, come on down!!!"
Easier said than done.
Your drive foot is different. Your pivot foot is different. Your hand work is reversed. It’s quite a change. That’s why I was hoping the Saints would have a chance for RFA Ray Edwards from Minny. He’s a natural DLE.
by WhoDat_OH on Apr 6, 2010 1:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
OLBS...
… or Jerry Hughes from TCU, or Navorro Bowman from Penn State. There is good depth in the draft. I’m not that worried if Weatherspoon is gone.
by WhoDat_OH on Apr 6, 2010 1:48 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
OLB
Jerry Hughes would be a fit in a 3-4 defense. Navarro Bowman would be a nice acquisition. He fits our system and has good cover skills.
haha
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by Dave Cariello on Apr 6, 2010 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Either Hughes or Bowman
would fit will in GW’s 3-3-5 defense. Possibly even better than Weatherspoon.
by WhoDat_OH on Apr 6, 2010 3:12 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I know I've been saying it a lot lately
But I really like Dekoda Watson from Florida State. He is projected as a 3rd rounder, so if we took him with the last pick in the 2nd round I’d be more than happy to get him.
"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.
If we want to repeat, our D needs to improve
and it starts with MORE PRESSURE WHEN WE DON’T BLITZ
Our non-blitz rush was an absolute joke last year
He is an upgrade
Gotta be better than Grant.
My only concern is: Is this guy gonna be a pre-madonna and ask for a shrimp boat load of money or be motivated by wanting to be on a SUPER BOWL WINNING team.
Numbers look good and consistent, but 3-4 mil is where I’d put him $-wise…if we can get him for less…GREAT! but it just depends on where his M/O lies
I don't get that impression
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by Dave Cariello on Apr 6, 2010 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Would Sheena Easton be considered a pre-madonna?
Regarding prima donnas, I honestly don’t see how seeking large sums of money as an UFA qualifies a player as one.
“a vain or undisciplined person who finds it difficult to work under direction or as part of a team”
Getting paid for your services does not automatically equate to vanity. If it did, Drew Brees would currently be considered vain and well on his way to earning prima donna status.
“a vain or undisciplined person who finds it difficult to work under direction or as part of a team”
Undisciplined how? Is he breaking some sort of unwritten rule by failing to showing blind allegiance to a team that has yet to cut him a check? If that’s the case, every UFA out there — including everyone reading this post — is an insubordinate f*** who should be taken to task for their behavior.
As a job seeker, the only direction he should be expected to adhere to is the betterment of his own well being. He’s technically not working under anyone, a prerequisite to experiencing difficulty in doing so.
“a vain or undisciplined person who finds it difficult to work under direction or as part of a team”
Your “team first” ideology is first rate, particularly as it applies to members of a team. Trouble is, Alex Brown is not part of a team. He must first sign a contract, an action that typically hinges upon negotiations. Any idea what those negotiations primarily entail? That’s right. Money. Players dig more. Teams dig less. It’s a two way street.
As a team, the Saints must decide whether or not a player is worth what he’s seeking. If he’s not, that in and of itself doesn’t make him a prima donna, any moreso than it makes Mickey Loomis a prima donna for not caving in to the player’s demands. It makes the player a candidate for a team willing to spend more money.
Even in cases like Michael Crabtree, where players are threatening to sit out the entire year if they’re not offered what they think they’re worth, that’s not prima donnaism. Don’t get me wrong, it’s often times a foolish business practice … but in the case of Crabtree, how many problems have surfaced in San Francisco, since this so-called greed mofo looked out for number 1? He’s actually helped resurrect that offense. Alex Smith is showing signs of life in a spread attack. Vernon Davis just made his forst Pro Bowl. Just saying, you have to look at the big picture. Granted, once he’s in the fold, money saved here and there on individual salaries can go a long way towards enticing OTHER free agents towards climbing aboard … and it’s always helpful when players volunteer to renegotiate … but that “target player” is what Alex Brown represents right now. He’s the fish, not the bait.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
TOUCHE!!!!
Thanks for laying more insight on the business mentality of the off-season on me.
However, my point of view is: if you’re ultimate goal is not to be on a championship TEAM (for the OBSESSION and HUNT for perfection), then you are looking out for number one…aka: a prima donna (thnx for the spell chx on that one)….football is the ultimate TEAM sport. I know these guys have number one to look out for, as we all do (including the front office), but, the ultimate goal is to win championships…in my mind at least.
“if you’re ultimate goal is not to be on a championship TEAM (for the OBSESSION and HUNT for perfection), then you are looking out for number one…aka: a prima donna”
How are “looking out for number one” and “being on a championship team” mutually exclusive to one another? Can you cite specific examples of incidents in which a player’s desire for the most money he can possibly rake in, wound up costing his team a championship? If so, I’d love to hear them. What you’re describing is not an example of vanity. Wanting does not equate to flaunting. You can’t flaunt what you don’t yet have. It’s not an example of a lack of discipline. It doesn’t fit the definition of a prima donna, whatsoever. You evidently don’t have a very firm grasp on the meaning of that term. I’m not exactly sure why, after I went so far as to link the dictionary entry.
Most players feel that they’re capable of helping ANY team they sign with become a championship team. Some would rather that NOT come easy. They prefer the challenge of turning around sorry franchises, rather than hopping aboard an established winner. I said some, not all. What motivates THOSE players?
In terms of unrestricted free agency, what makes a player chose Detroit or Cleveland over Miami or San Diego? It surely isn’t the winning traditions of those franchises or the close proximity of the beaches. It’s all about opportunity and, above all else, MONEY. And I guarantee you, if every top tier free agent took that same approach, the Lions and Browns would be Super Bowl contenders in no time.
Hell, that’s exactly what happened when Brees signed with the Saints. He went after the biggest contract he was offered and wound up winning a Super Bowl four years later. Why should Alex Brown go about it any differently? Once he’s actually on a team, THEN worry about winning a championship. By putting the carriage in front of the horse, all you’re doing is screwing yourself out of income. That truly has nothing to do with effort and/or on-the-field results.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
If the Saints want him...
They will have to pay him. he has a few more interviews lined up. I’m sure after all of the interviews he will weigh his options and make the choice that is best for him.
What's up good people from the big NO
Bears fan here. I want to say first of all thank you for slaughtering the Colts in the Super Bowl. I felt like it was a little revenge for what they did to us in 06 =].
But to my main point. If you guys do pursue Alex Brown and ultimately sign him, it will be one of the smartest signings your FO could ever accomplish.
Trust me when i say this, the guy has a motor that never stops. He will not take a play off, and he will be in the opponents backfield every play. Whether that means actually sacking the qb or just causing disruptions, you can count on him bein back there.
Another thing about Brown is how he is off the field. I can’t count the number of charaties or group that Alex Brown helps with or belongs to. The guy is a true class act.
To be honest with you i was a little shocked when they released him, I mean who wouldn’t want to see what he could do playing opposite Julius Peppers?? But in all honesty i really hope you guys can get ahold of such a great player as Brown.
He is a hard working, hard nosed, no nonsense player who would give everything on every play.
I can only hope he goes to such a team as The Saints.
Thanks Folk
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
Oh and i almost forgot
concerning the post up a little further about Alex playing RE and would he switch. Well you should go back and look at some Bears films =]
Notice their Dlinemen will switch every so often. Which meant that sometimes Brown was on the left other times he was on the right, heck sometimes he even lined up at DT.
So he is a very versitile Dlineman and can line up anywhere on the line
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
Sweet jesus1000 make this happen
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Apr 7, 2010 10:27 AM CDT reply actions
By all acounts a solid player
All I have read says he’s a solid, dependable player. I bet he does a great job for our Saints. 31 years old, wants a ring BADDDD and SP and GW have a history of making average players great! And, Brown is much better than average already.
by saints-fan-in-miss on Apr 8, 2010 11:27 AM CDT reply actions
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