Saints Game Changing Off-Season Moves: Saints Sign Alex Brown

by Dave Cariello on May 15, 2010 6:00 AM CDT

Sponsored Post: This post is presented by Sprint. Bringing you the first wireless 4G network from a national carrier. Only on the Now Network.

Well, it's been two weeks since our last officially sponsored post which means I've got to pay a few bills around here and hook you all up with another Saints game changing off-season move. Honestly, because this post-Super Bowl off-season has been so quiet, I'm quickly running out of topics for these posts. Fortunately, the Saints signed former Bears defensive end Alex Brown in April which spiced things up a bit and most definitely qualifies as one of the teams biggest moves thus far.

Game Changing Move #3 - April 7th, 2010 - Saints Sign Alex Brown

In an effort to fill the void of talent and depth at defensive end following the release of Charles Grant - our first game changing move - the Saints nabbed free agent Alex Brown, who had been released by the Chicago Bears less than a week prior and after failing to find a trading partner. It was the first serious acquisition of the off-season for the team and still remains arguably the most significant. For that reason alone, this move was important. But it won't be considered game changing if it doesn't pan out on the field.

Technically, we don't really know if this is a game changing move because we have yet to see Alex Brown play a down in the black and gold but the early signs look good. Bears fans were visibly upset when Brown was released, always what you want to see from a free agent pickup. And based on his career, injury shouldn't be a concern and either should his work ethic. What a breath of fresh air. But he's getting up in there in age and he's never been a great player, just good and very reliable.

So the question today is this: Does Alex Brown have what it takes to be the starting defensive end by week one? Your thoughts please. Feel free to discuss the entire defensive end rotation as you see fit.

Poll

Will Alex Brown be the Saints starting defensive end by week one?

Yes

660 votes

No

54 votes

714 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 10 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

You should use drafting Robinson in the first round

as your next game changing off season move. Sparked alot of controversy and has caused a lot of fan confusion about our situation in the defensive backfield. I also voted yes, he will start.

Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!

by skinnykinney on May 15, 2010 6:34 AM CDT reply actions

at this point...

there are other options but none really as promising, I’d say at this point it’s his job to lose.

by bannor d on May 15, 2010 7:21 AM CDT reply actions

he will start opposite the fresh prince

We've got 27 ways to add up to 11 (players on the field). I came up with another one last night. -- GW

by Hans Petersen on May 15, 2010 8:24 AM CDT reply actions

Brown is a solid veteran. He’ll be playing in a system that matches up well to his strengths, and for a coach with the reputation of getting the most out of his players. He has a great work ethic, and all the motivation in the world (being part of a repeat champion, and showing up the team that dumped him). He was acquired to be a replacement for Grant. All of that suggests he’ll be the starter. That said, he still has to earn it, and if someone else elevates his game, Brown may find himself riding the bench. Which would be a pleasant surprise for us, actually.

I know who i am! I'm the dude playing the dude disguised as another dude!

by MtnExile on May 15, 2010 8:33 AM CDT reply actions

rookie free agent gallette will earn a roster spot.. out goes charleston

yeah.. you heard me.. speedrusher specialist with spins, whooop! move, 8000rpm motor.. great pursue skills.. if he can play special teams this guy will have his opportunity.. i see a rotation of alex, wilkerson (mostly on 1st & second dn, specially against carolina & tampa..) with mc crae maybe making some noise ( boy, is he due?) & the rook FA gallette on passing 3rd dns, baby..

by the 9th plague on May 15, 2010 3:07 PM CDT reply actions

He's a little small for a defensive end

…but he’s the very image—on paper, at least—of a strong-side linebacker, which he also played in college.

And he’s from Haiti. Could we see a linebacker corps of Vilma / Arnoux / Gallette at some point? That would be a first, I bet.

I know who i am! I'm the dude playing the dude disguised as another dude!

by MtnExile on May 15, 2010 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Would we then have to start calling the LB corps the Haitian Patrol?

by FriarBob on May 15, 2010 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Nation of Domination.

If I am good I could add years to my life / I would rather add some life to my years.

by Jay Preece on May 15, 2010 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions

I just....I am a bit pessimistic b/c I get the feeling

that we don’t know something that other teams did….how could we get this guy so cheap? There must be something b/c his stats, work ethic, and teammates in Chicago say just great things…..

I dunno, I really hope I am wrong

by Alious on May 16, 2010 8:28 PM CDT reply actions

Being a Bears fan too

It was sad to see him go. He is a solid, well rounded player, plays well against the rush and picks up a couple of sacks along the way. He is just a good player, not flashy, but a leader as well as an experienced player. I like this move for the Saints.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on May 16, 2010 8:54 PM CDT reply actions