The Top 5 Moves The Saints Haven't Made.. Yet
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 2, 2011 11:22 PM CDT
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PrintThere are still plenty of quality players on the street. This unique off-season saw over 500 free agents-- about twice the normal size because close to 300 players who would have been unrestricted free agents last year were restricted, and only one (Mike Bell) changed teams. So that means the market is currently flooded, and savvy GM's will be able to sign quality starting caliber players for back-up money. We're seeing a rash of 1 or 2 year deals. We're seeing players who want multi-year contracts settle for a 1 year deal with less money to play on good teams in order to find a better market next year.
With that said, I think the Saints aren't finished adding players to the roster. I've picked the top 5 (and only?) positions I believe the Saints could upgrade (and hope they will). As stated above, I think the Saints will find veteran players at a bargain price.
Top Priority-- DE Andre Carter. Put him in a 4-3 and he can still rush the passer. Cut Alex Brown. Turk McBride is just depth. Will Smith will likely miss the first month, and Cam Jordan has much to learn. Carter can be had on the cheap with a short term deal. Make it happen.
OLB-- Rocky McIntosh, Keith Bullock, Ben Leber, Channing Crowder, Kirk Morrison, Tully Banta-Cain-- Lord knows there's plenty of starters out there who would INSTANTLY upgrade the roster. Casillas is coming off a foot injury that could linger, and Tez is switching to OLB without an off-season to learn. We need someone who can play GOOD. Not a Clint Ingram or Danny Clark journeyman.
C/G-- Look at the roster as it stands now. Even if we re-sign Goodwin (doubt it), we still need 1 Guard who actually has started games in this league. The good news is that there are numerous Guards on the street who started the majority of games last year-- Guards that will come cheap. Maybe we can get lucky and find a guy that can play all 3 interior positions.
TE-- This is another position we could use a solid veteran at-- preferably a dependable in-line blocker like Bo Scaife. There are plenty of young guys out there, and one splash player (Kevin Boss) who can do it all without breaking the bank.
S-- Oliver is a solid signing, but I'd argue unless DeAndre McDaniel plays not like a rookie with no offseason, we could use another.
This FanPost was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.
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I actually agree with most of this.
But at the risk of starting something terrible, you do not need to write your own byline. The site does that for you, and you come off looking like a bit of a douche when your name is included twice in the first two dozen words.
by Jimbo03 on Aug 3, 2011 1:44 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I notice everytime he does it. I have a feeling he shares the post on other sites. That’s why he includes his name.
by cscmember on Aug 3, 2011 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Boom rec'd it
It is very suspicious.
When you say she's looking good, she acts as if it's understood
I do. But they start here. I’ve been posting whatever you call these things for years and never used my name. Dave told me to when he asked me to write here because they get syndicated and it gives the article more credibility. Would you take something written by #1 saintsfan more serious than something written by Bob Johnson? You might not know who either are, but a real name means someone is putting something on the line and can be held accountable, unlike an anonymous misnomer.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Would you take something written by #1 saintsfan more serious than something written by Bob Johnson?
Depends. Would Bob Johnson ever cite the molecular structure of Holy Water?
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
See, if I wrote exclusively for someone else, I wouldn’t have you to keep me in check :)
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
I’d be more impressed with the schematic for a holy handgrenade.
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
by hooahsaint2.0 on Aug 4, 2011 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
I think what they're saying is...
Your name already appears at the top of each article under the headline. You don’t need to include it and the title of the post in the actual body of the post. It’s redundant. See below.
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on Aug 3, 2011 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
gotcha
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions
try one of these…
http://lifehacker.com/5218155/five-best-screen-capture-tools
I use SnagIt, but it’s not free.
"It ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and KEEP MOVING FORWARD. That's how winning is done!" - Rocky
Bob Johnson (Bobjo4 to his family and friends) is my uncle. I know Bob Johnson, I’ve broken bread with Bob Johnson, I’ve worshipped with Bob Johnson. Jr, you’re no Bob Johnson.
When you say she's looking good, she acts as if it's understood
by stujo4 on Aug 3, 2011 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
That made me LOL.
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
by hooahsaint2.0 on Aug 4, 2011 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions
My only problem with that … they’re not exclusive to those other sites.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate Preston’s work. I just wish I had to go to another site to read it.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
by coldpizza on Aug 3, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate Preston’s work. I just wish I had to go to another site to read it
That cutts deep. Pizza, you are one cold mammy effer.
That said, I’d bet he pretty much agrees with the original post.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah he does...
He said it when he first started. Saints Report to be exact. I have no problem with it though.
On to da next one!
I care
Dave doesn’t care
You said it, unblocked for the time being Saints fan brother in arms.
When you say she's looking good, she acts as if it's understood
This totally reminds me of a youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
by hooahsaint2.0 on Aug 4, 2011 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Also,
Those who take Rotoworld as biblical law will probably disagree, but I would like to see Kirk Morrison on the team.
Disagree with Andre Carter, who only had 2.5 sacks last year in 16 games at DE. Why not just re-sign Jeff Charleston to a 1 year deal instead?
I agree 100% about bringing in Rocky McIntosh though. He needs to be back in a 4-3 base defense again and would mesh great in our locker room while being reunited with Gregg Williams. He already knows Williams’ schemes and terminology too.
Who are the Guards out there? I would say bring another veteran one in if only for camp competition with the young ones that we already have on our roster since all we need is depth for back-up just in case of injury to any of the starters like Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks, Jon Stinchcomb or Jermon Bushrod. We already re-signed Zach Strief at T.
They re-signed David Thomas and Tory Humphrey at TE to make a total of 5 TE’s in camp including Jimmy Graham (starter), Tyler Lorenzen and an undrafted rookie. Why bother bringing in another vet when the starter and an immediate back-up who already know the playbook backward and forward at this point are already in place? I totally disagree with this being even a minimal priority for the team.
As far as safety goes, all they need to do is re-sign Darren Sharper for another year deal for a song after no other team offers him a starting spot.
Well for one, I’m pretty sure Charleston is gone. Signed elsewhere.
Plus I do believe he mentioned something about putting him a 4-3 above, yes? There was a reason… the skins went to a 3-4 last year, and of course his stats plummeted. While I’m less than 100% sure they’d rebound going back to a 4-3, I would expect him to be more useful than you think.
Saints did get Dave Thomas back to help out at FB if needed
but they are extremely inexperienced at true FB’s unless they bring Heath Evans back too. You did not even mention this as a priority though…
Hall’s been in the league 4 years and has played in 48 career games. That makes him more experienced than our starting punter, kicker and long snapper, at a position used only slightly more often than any of those. I don’t hear anyone calling for more experience at those positions. We’re fine at FB. Hall is a better lead blocker than Evans and Collins will provide him with competition throughout camp.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
I’m still not seeing how an 11-5 team with an injured Drew Brees and a good draft NEEDS anyone.
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
Let’s pretend your sentence told the entire story. What about someone to prevent Brees from being re-injured? They didn’t draft any offensive linemen. What about players to offset potential offseason improvement by the Falcons? We merely split a two game series with them and they finished with a better record. They didn’t have a slouch draft either.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
I’m all for upgrading here and there. I get that. You should always strive to be better, but realistically, if you have the same group of guys for a second straight season they should be better.
I’m not saying grabbing Rogers and Hall weren’t great moves, as well as snatching a niner away, but I’m not for everyone calling for an overhaul. For the last week people have been calling for more and more signings. When you are 11-5 and one year removed from a Superbowl you make a few key moves and try to retain most of what got you there.
That’s all I’m saying.
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
by hooahsaint2.0 on Aug 4, 2011 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Gotta say that I disagree with almost the whole article.
DE – Why? Jordan, McBride, Smith, Brown and Gallette can should be fine!
OLB – I do agree with this one. I wanted us to go after Manny Lawson, but even Ben Leber would be nice.
C/G – Besides Goodwin….Who else is out there? I’d take my chances with Tenant & Co.
TE – Did you even look at the roster? They’ll never get any playing time behind Graham and Thomas (who can block & catch)!
S – Why pay big money to a back up (Jenkins and Harper are starters). Let the rookie learn and resign D. Sharp!
DE – Why? Jordan, McBride, Smith, Brown and Gallette can should be fine!
Smith will be suspended the first month. Jordan hasn’t had an offeseason to learn, and no one outside of Smith is known for pressure or getting to the QB. Alex Brown is garbage, Turk McBride is young garbage. Jr. Gallette is a pipe dream. So I stand behind “we could use Andre Carter” because no other DE on our roster can bring pressure in the first month.
C/G – Besides Goodwin….Who else is out there? I’d take my chances with Tenant & Co.
Here you misunderstand me. I’m quite excited about a starting interior of Nicks, Tennant, and Evans— Tennant is younger, more physical, and more nasty in the run game. What concerns me is the FACT that we have no one with any kind of experience behind me. Zilch. You have Guards who weren’t great but started last year and are free agents this year— people like Adam Godlberg, Vincent Manuwai, Rudy Niswanger, Cory Proctor, Chester Pitts and more whove started last year and could be had for cheap.
S – Why pay big money to a back up (Jenkins and Harper are starters). Let the rookie learn and resign D. Sharp!
whoever we’d sign wouldn’t be “big money”. Sharper is a liability and not worth bringing back. Even in 2009, he needed cover corners to protect him because he couldn’t really play safety. Anytime we had injury to Porter/Greer, Sharper got taken behind the woodshed and BEATEN.
Disagree with Andre Carter, who only had 2.5 sacks last year in 16 games at DE. Why not just re-sign Jeff Charleston to a 1 year deal instead?
I agree 100% about bringing in Rocky McIntosh though. He needs to be back in a 4-3
Why is it true for Rocky but nof for Andre? Put Andre back in a 4-3, and watch QB’s run.
but they are extremely inexperienced at true FB’s unless they bring Heath Evans back too. You did not even mention this as a priority though…
Its no priority. Many teams don’t even carry a FB.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Many teams don’t even carry a FB.
Many = the Colts and Patriots. And both have FBs on their rosters now. I do agree that it isn’t a pressing need any longer, just not due to your reasoning.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
fair enough
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
We still haven’t signed Marvin Mitchell, right? Q: who plays ILB alongside Vilma in 3-4 packages? I suppose Clark and Wilson are both capable of playing inside, but it sure would be nice to land another dedicated back up in the middle that could be used in that capacity. It’s hard to imagine one that would contribute as much on special teams as Mitchell did. Is this guy asking for more than he’s worth? Why the lack of interest on the Saints’ part? Unless I’m missing something, seems like a decent fit for the money.
Also, just because it’s a pet peeve of mine:
We need someone who can play GOOD.
No, we need someone who can play WELL. In this sentence, play is a verb. Good is an adjective. Well is an adverb. Adverbs describe verbs. He’s a GOOD player. He plays WELL. Practice that. Thanks.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
I agree about Mitchell
Sadly, Cincinatti has been looking at him. I thought he played very well last season and that he would have been signed by now.
by BlackandGold4ever on Aug 3, 2011 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions
If he’s destined to leave regardless, I’m glad the Bengals are the team showing interest. It’ll be nice to have at least one former Saint on the team, as it doesn’t look like Dhani Jones will be returning. They just landed Manny Lawson at OLB yesterday, btw.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Yeah, I saw that. They’re making some quiet moves to improve their team, but still have a question mark at QB. They should just go ahead and trade Palmer.
by BlackandGold4ever on Aug 3, 2011 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions
That would require a GM (or even an owner) with less arrogance, stubbornness, and general overall jack-ass-ness than Mikey the Moron.
Any other GM would realize that what he’s doing to Palmer means he will only get low-end free agents or people who he pays through the nose for… often both. But Mikey’s doesn’t care.
What about who can play gooder?
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Aug 3, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
oxymoron?
"Daddy, them cigarettes are gonna kill you". My aunts last words to my 96 year old grandpa before he fell out of bed and broke his neck reaching for a full pack.
It is pretty damn sad that foreigners can speak English better than we can.
I see it every day, and the typical arrogant American response is, “STFU!” or, “Thanks, Grammar Police.”
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
by hooahsaint2.0 on Aug 4, 2011 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Are you saying “thanks” isn’t a magic word in that sentence?
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
LOL
Not when “Thanks” is stated in a tone very similar to “F-U”.
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
by hooahsaint2.0 on Aug 5, 2011 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions
The top priority is getting a Center that can come in from day one and Kick A$$… Goodwin, Tennant (really?), Krutz (maybe)… so Goodwin then.
I thought we had Guard locked up??? Evans and Nicks w/ Tennant (and 5 other unknowns) to back them up aren’t enough? (I know they won’t all be on the 53 man roster, but one or two of them has to be good enough to be 3rd string.)
Then starting OLB with Lawson gone, Rocky M maybe. I don’t think they are going to get anyone to replace Shanle.
Then quality depth at TE… Boss would be a nice pickup.
Then quality depth at DE.
Then maybe depth at CB and depth at Safety.
"It ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and KEEP MOVING FORWARD. That's how winning is done!" - Rocky
Evans and Nicks w/ Tennant (and 5 other unknowns) to back them up aren’t enough?
Not if one of them get hurt, it isn’t.
And just for the record, former LSU Tiger Rudy Niswanger is another notable free agent C with starting experience (31 career starts) that is currently available.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Niswanger is a a former winner of the prestigious Danny Wuerffel Trophy!!!
What a fantastic locker room leader he would be! WE NEED TO SIGN THIS GUY STAT!!!!1
Sorry, I must have forgotten he’s a center and isn’t likely to make any difference in a game whatsoever.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Yes!! Rudy can play G too. That is exactly what we need— someone versatile enough to provide depth along the interior with bonafide starting experience, preferably someone who started the entire year last year. The good thing is there are plenty of guys who fit that mold currently unemployed who can be had on the cheap.
I wonder if the Saints will try Barron at G. Gallery and Leonard Davis looked horrible in space but play well in a phone booth at G. Mabye Barron has the same potential? Nicks was a 5th round Tackle, but looks to be a 1st round G.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
At least you're pointing out reasonable people.
I keep laughing every time I see the “we need to sign Goodwin, Leber, Carter, Kreutz” bandwagon. I’m starting to think I’m the only one who realizes the Saints have no real money left in free agency.
There’s a reason we’re signing the Olivers and Barrons of the world. And it’s not because PayLoo thinks they’re better than the previously mentioned.
"Winter is coming"
Alex Barron? Jesus. I must have missed that. I’m not sure there’s a worse OT still in the league that has one or more starts under his belt.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
If you were here, I’d punch you in the nose.
When you say she's looking good, she acts as if it's understood
Yo whole generation’s upper lip! Quick, somebody hold me back, fo I bust this fool.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
cp where are you from man?!!
You crack me up when you talk like this but it’s not the cheesy, offensive tone that some use when they attempt it. I’m starting to think your a brotha…
On to da next one!
I’m a product of the Jefferson Parish public school system. Spend 12 years in a melting polt and you become familiar with most forms of slang.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
A year and a half ago
you told me you went to Holy Cross.
Stu, does this qualify for your list???
Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!
I Want To Die In My Sleep Like My Grandpa – Not Screaming and Yelling Like His Passengers.
by Just 'Nother Day on Aug 3, 2011 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I went to Holy Cross…. Class of ’93.
Go Tigers!!
"It ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and KEEP MOVING FORWARD. That's how winning is done!" - Rocky
CLASS OF '93?????
I figured you to be older. (Unless you finally graduated when you were 42.)
Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!
I Want To Die In My Sleep Like My Grandpa – Not Screaming and Yelling Like His Passengers.
by Just 'Nother Day on Aug 3, 2011 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
lol...
older, like old fogy?
or older, like older and wiser?
"It ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and KEEP MOVING FORWARD. That's how winning is done!" - Rocky
Uuuh, . . . .
yes?
Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!
I Want To Die In My Sleep Like My Grandpa – Not Screaming and Yelling Like His Passengers.
by Just 'Nother Day on Aug 3, 2011 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions
My brother, dad and grandfather went the Holy Cross. I did not.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Registrar, "We have another one from that family who wants to enroll."
Principle, “Aww heeeeellll no.”
Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!
I Want To Die In My Sleep Like My Grandpa – Not Screaming and Yelling Like His Passengers.
by Just 'Nother Day on Aug 3, 2011 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't care
I’m not catholic. As if I had to type that.
You tell me that you've heard every sound there is
God, "Hey, Peter. Mark Stu down for another one."
Peter, “This list is getting bulky!”
Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!
I Want To Die In My Sleep Like My Grandpa – Not Screaming and Yelling Like His Passengers.
by Just 'Nother Day on Aug 3, 2011 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions
I went to St. Mary's Catholic School for Girls once...
But thankfully the Sista’s didn’t catch me.
INGRAMANIA equals LOMBARDI 2012
by cajuncommando58 on Aug 5, 2011 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions
If we’re talking at Tackle, I agree. Hopefully they are trying him at Guard? I would have much preferred Nick Kaczur from Pats.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Did you also laugh at “we need to sign Aubrayo Franklin”? As for LB, look at what Stephen Tulloch got. The market just isn’t there, and he’s one of the top FA’s at his position. As for a DE like Carter, he’s an old veteran— he won’t have a very big market either. This isn’t a normal free agent period. Many vets will be had for very cheap on one year deals. Just look at Ronny Brown going to the Eagles as a back-up on the cheap. There are so many examples of this across the board and you’ll see more in days to come.
In short, players who normally wouldn’t realistically fit under the salary cap will for this crazy year. That’s what happens when you have twice the amount of free agents with less than normal cap space.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Nope…at the time we had enough money for one significant free agent. Guess what…we signed him. Just because money is made of paper…doesn’t mean the adage of “money doesn’t grow on trees” no longer applies.
You’re naming people that will hardly accept the league minimum…which is about all we can afford anymore at the moment. You’re tossing out wish list items…which is fine…but you need to come back to reality.
We were less than 15 million under the cap with 29 free agents to sign. Forget money from Reggie…that 100% went to Sproles and Harper. We signed Franklin and Bushrod and Baconator, not to mention two first round draft picks. All those guys got signed for well above the minimums. Turk McBride and Washington and Herring also undoubtedly signed for a Mil +. So we’re talking what….5 million or so left that we used to sign 20 + no name/minimums?
"Winter is coming"
Care to explain the salary cap? It’s very fluid, and a limit doesn’t deter savvy GM’s. How are the Eagles signing all those players? If there’s a will, there’s a way. Alex Barron was a starting T last year. Not good enough for his team to keep him, yet the Saints added him. I’m just asking for the same thing at G. Turk McBride started half the year last year and had two times more sacks than an out of position Andre Carter, and Carter is much older. Don’t see nothing unrealistic about that.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
for a non-starter, I seem to remember him getting abused from week to week. must be the previous year?
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
He started for the Rams the previous years before getting let go when they drafted their rookie tackles.
"Winter is coming"
Yeah, Barron was actually rated ahead of Jammal Brown by many draft experts in 2005. The Saints “reached” taking a RT over him. Of course, they’re weren’t COMPLETELY off base, being that Payton tried unsuccessfully to change Brown’s spots on the flip flop, but we clearly did get the better overall tackle between the two.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
The Seahawks are one of four teams that are talking to free agent WLB Ben Leber, according to ESPN’s John Clayton.
Leber will be 33 in December and is finding a soft market. The Seahawks look like a nice fit as the oft-injured and troubled Leroy Hill is currently penciled in on the weak side. The Seahawks lost backup Will Herring to the Saints.
rotoworld
Emphasis in bold. None of these “household names” who are “unrealistic” are going to get big money. In other words, signing them is very realistic.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
What part of “twice the regular amount of Free Agents” with “a league wide decrease in salary cap and cap space” doesn’t compute for you? The market is flooded; it’s a buyers market. There will be MANY good players who will be forced to sign for very cheap. There is only so much money to go around, and unless you want to play for the Bengals or Browns, chances are you are taking less money for 1 year to play for a better team in hopes that the market is better next year.
It’s not that hard a concept to understand, especially when you are getting multiple examples of it each day.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
You just don't get it.
Philadelphia signed all those players because they were FORTY MILLION under the damn cap and released every player they could to make even more room for them with people like Sims and Bradley.
It’s math man…it’s not frickin rocket science here. What part of “we can barely afford anyone above the league minimum at the moment” doesn’t compute for you? Come on man…wake the hell up. A “soft market” doesn’t mean we can necessarily get a guy for pennies on the dollar. It means instead of having a dozen teams pay him the 5 mil per that he feels he deserves…he has probably 3-4 teams offering him half that. Which is still well and beyond what we can undoubtedly pay him at the moment unless we release someone like Henderson.
We already got our handful of good players signing for cheap and home town discounts. Sooner or later…the damn pool runs dry Preston. It’s not hard to look at the money we had available plus the people we signed to realize there isn’t more than a few drops left in the pool. We’ll be lucky to sign one more damn person of any kind of note….but even that is probably a long shot at this point.
"Winter is coming"
Actually… there are some unique rules (of which I am not an expert) that allows teams to be over a cap for a certain period of time as long as a certain average salary cap is met over a period of time.
It’s not exactly black and gold white.
"It ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and KEEP MOVING FORWARD. That's how winning is done!" - Rocky
That applies to retaining veterans already under contract to extensions. For instance, if we were to now give Nicks or Brees and extension. To my knowledge that does not extent to the signing of UFAs.
"Winter is coming"
Well, you might want to tell the Saints to stop talking to Olin Kreutz because he isn’t a realistic target and his name is too big. While you’re at it, tell them to leave alone Matt Roth, who started 16 games at LB for the Browns last year, since they obviosly can’t afford to pursue starters at the positions I suggested in the OP.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 5, 2011 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Looks for the very little known Matt Roth who will be seeking very little money up in the OP…..oh that’s right it’s not frickin there. And gee…what did I say about a big name guy. We couldn’t sign a big name guy to a large contract extension cause we didn’t have the money. Know what…we didn’t. We signed a guy who’ll be playing his final year or two before retirement to a contract worth a whopping 2 million dollars…notably AFTER we also released Hamilton to free up even more money. I’m notably still waiting for your Boss, Scaife, Morrison, Leber, Cain, Mcintosh, Carter signing…..oh wait.
It’s ok though..I’m sure you think in your head that Matt Roth is somehow as big of a name as any of them. And please….no talk about being the “best player on Cleveland” a couple of years ago. It’s frickin Cleveland.
"Winter is coming"
by jeff.l.b on Aug 5, 2011 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Olin Kreutz is a big name. His contract is 2 million base salary, 4 million with incentives. Like I said, if there is a will, there’s a way. The Saints only saved little more than 300K to cut Hamilton— a salary that isn’t counted towards the cap anyway because only the top 51 salaries are counting against the cap.
And no, Matt Roth isn’t on my list, but he fits the criteria of “a LB who started all 16 games last year” and I believe he had more sacks than any of our LB’s— which if Cleveland is worthless, what’s that say about our LB’s?— fits right in line with
there’s plenty of starters out there who would INSTANTLY upgrade the rosterfrom the original post.
And more to the point
And gee…what did I say about a big name guy. We couldn’t sign a big name guy to a large contract extension cause we didn’t have the money
what did I say?
What part of "twice the regular amount of Free Agents" with "a league wide decrease in salary cap and cap space" doesn’t compute for you? The market is flooded; it’s a buyers market. There will be MANY good players who will be forced to sign for very cheap. There is only so much money to go around, and unless you want to play for the Bengals or Browns, chances are you are taking less money for 1 year to play for a better team in hopes that the market is better next year
If I could rec myself, I would. Instead, I’ll just say BOOM, eat crow.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 5, 2011 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
eat crow? LoL. You just came back with the exact same argument you used before that I already shot down? You’re like a record stuck on repeat. I stand by every single one of my previous statements…which still to this time are holding 100% true. I said maybe one more move….we don’t one more move….i said we couldn’t sign long term big money guys, especially without cutting people….we still haven’t signed any long term big money guys….but hey. Keep thinking you won the argument..that’s cool with me.
"Winter is coming"
You just came back with the exact same argument you used before that I already shot down
Precisely because you fail to comprehend the logic you “shot down” is exactly what the Saints just did. In other words, their action refutes your point and endorses mine.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 5, 2011 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com…me-is-at-hand/
$10.5 mil under the cap, as of today. That’s not counting the 3 to 4.5 million we could use in cap credit. It’s also counting only the top 51 salaries on our team— by the time the season starts, we may have cut a veteran who makes a good chunk.
Now, when the lockout was over, the Saints were at 105.2 Million in the 120 million salary cap. Do you mean to tell me that in all the signings and re-signings, the Saints cap number only moved up to 109.5? Sure, Reggie gave us an extra 12 million to play with, so that means we signed all these guys with basically 16 million? My point is that there is some things you and I do not know with certainty about the cap, and the Saints have ample room to make any move they wish.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 4, 2011 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmm, Olin Kreutz to Saints for 1 year and less money than 2 other teams offered because of chance to win Superbowl. Wonder where I heard that logic before.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 5, 2011 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Some one tell me when we get an OLB
My #1 concern…
"I want the gas pedal down." Sean Payton
I'm a Saints fan--Hubby's a Bears fan.
[You mean Will Herring isn’t enough for you?]
by BlackandGold4ever on Aug 3, 2011 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
The term “nickle LB” translates (at least in my head) to “not good enough to start or play all 3 downs”, which also means “a liability against the run”. I’d rather pay one guy that can do both than have a Danny Clark and Will Herring combo, praying I guess right when the opponent will run or pass so I don’t have the wrong weakness in the game.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 3, 2011 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I messed up the sarcasm font there 8o)
by BlackandGold4ever on Aug 3, 2011 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Linebacker please
If we fill that one need, I will be happy.
But let me ask a question, perhaps to be covered by one of the blog lords under a different heading. Which Saint (or Saints) off last year’s roster will be surprise cuts this year? There always seems to be at least one. My candidate is Devery Henderson.
"If I am not back in 5 minutes...wait longer" Ace Ventura, Pet Detective
Remember back in the days when fullbacks actually got carries?
I remember Rathman from the Niners use to kill people!
On to da next one!
They still do in a few cases. Tolbert, McClain, Snelling, Graham … Hedgecock and Leonard at the goal line on occasion. I don’t think those guys are as uncommon as they are being underutilized as niche halfbacks. That’s been going on for years, though. Jim Taylor. Larry Csonka, John Riggins and Earl Campbell were all technically FBs. Marion Motley, John David Crow, Bronko Nagurski … none of those guys made a name for themselves lead blocking. Doesn’t mean they couldn’t do it, if used that way. Conversely, if someone chose to run the sh** out of Lorenzo Neal (which the Saints did early on) … I’m sure he could still contribute in moving the sticks, as could most guys pigeon holed in the position.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
At the collegiate level, I think it’s more a case of having too many mediocre backs on the roster overall and thinking “hey, this guy is a pretty damn good blocker … let’s make him a FB” than anything else. From there, they just tend to remain typecast as FBs. Think about it. How often do you hear about a blue chip high school prospect at FB? Very rarely. They’re converted featured backs in college. That’s where the skills sets truly start to get dissected.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Well, actually…..the Saints never did run the sh** out of Lorenzo Neal. Outside of that 70+ yard run, which was replayed countless times by the local media as proof that Neal would be a great running back after he returned from his injury, he was not utilized as a runner. Yes, he was a great blocker, but he never lived up to that one piece of highlight footage when it came to running the ball.
I thought he would get a shot at more carries just like everyone else, but it didn’t work out that way.
Of course, it didn’t help that he spent more time breaking jaws (Bates) than actually breaking tackles.
I've got two words for ya.....Whit Bissell
That may have been a bit exaggerated. They ran him more often than any team has since. 16 years in the league and three of his top five attempts per season were as a Saint.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Since we're talking about running backs......
Did Reggie Bush kinda remind you of Bob Gresham who played with the Saints back during Archie’s early years?
Similar size and build, and also similar production during their first three years. Of course, Gresham was a later round pick who didn’t come into the league with all the hype and notoriety that surrounded Bush when he was drafted, so there was no big disappointment in his limited production. Back then, folks were actually very pleased with kid. You know, similar to the way people were pleasantly surprised by Jimmy Rogers in 1980 when the Saints went 1-15. Well, at least I was anyway. As far as I was concerned, the Saints could have made due with the running backs from that ’80 squad during the 1981 season and drafted Lawrence Taylor with that first pick instead of George Rogers.
Wouldn’t that have been something?!?! Lawrence Taylor and Rickey Jackson taken in the same draft (1st and 2nd round picks) and playing on the same team!!!
(Sigh)….but, that was Bum’s call. He planned on building the Saints on the back of George Rogers the way he built the Oilers on the back of Earl Campbell. Unfortunately, George Rogers turned out to be more like Chuck Muncie (sniff, sniff) than Earl Campbell. He eventually straightened himself out a little bit once he left the Saints….picked up a Super Bowl ring with the Redskins in ’87 as their leading rusher and retired as a Super Bowl Champion.
I've got two words for ya.....Whit Bissell
Gresham’s a little before my time. Know the name and the face from collecting football cards, but that’s about it. Chad Morton is the Saints RB Bush most reminds me of in style, though his career production is more along the lines of Tony Galbreath. I did a fairly extensive comparison on those two not long ago.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
I remember being so upset about the Saints letting Morton get away to the Jets. He was a good return man and was a good change of pace back.
by BlackandGold4ever on Aug 4, 2011 6:43 AM CDT up reply actions
thanks for the link.....
You’re right on point about Morton in terms of style….very similar.
How do you think Chad would do in Payton’s offense playing the Bush role?
(minus the decoy B.S. of course….strictly in terms of production)
I've got two words for ya.....Whit Bissell
About the same as Sproles as a receiver, which is slightly below Bush.
Slightly better than Bush as an inside runner, which is considerably below Sproles.
All in all, a slight improvement over Bush yet a downgrade from Sproles.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
I’m curious as to how you would use Bush?
I see you putting him on the field in the slot, where he can run routes on LBs and get the occasional end around (That was he isn’t running inside).
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
by hooahsaint2.0 on Aug 5, 2011 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
About the same as Sproles as a receiver, which is slightly below Bush.
That’s the only part I disagree with. I think Bush is far ahead of Sproles as a receiver, in terms of what routes he can run and how well he runs them. Any RB can run a swing route or an out to the flats or an in, but how many can convincingly run a 20 yard out or a sluggo. Reggie ran routes better than some WR’s (per anaylist who played QB such as Jim Miller)— which is heads and shoulders above probably all other RB’s.
Now, does Sproles catch it or stay more focues than Bush, you might have an argument there.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 5, 2011 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
FYi… LaRon McClain (Sp?) signed with KC Chiefs.
"It ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and KEEP MOVING FORWARD. That's how winning is done!" - Rocky
Charles-Jones-McClain-McCluster
Ingram-Thomas-Sproles-Ivory
Which four have the most yards from scrimmage by year’s end?
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Which Jones do they have?
And, probably KC with have the most, as long as we have more wins and win the SB, I’m ok with that.
"It ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and KEEP MOVING FORWARD. That's how winning is done!" - Rocky
I thought he went…
Oh right…. from NYJ to KC… and then they found out how good Charles was
"It ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and KEEP MOVING FORWARD. That's how winning is done!" - Rocky
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say Sproles and Ingram in a tight race with Sproles edging him out.
Sproles just has a knack for shooting into the line and managing to pop out the other side, which is what Reggie lacked. If he breaks a few long runs early in the season, he’ll get more looks. I’m saying that happens, since he is hungry.
I see Ingram being the physical runner SP has been looking for since Deuce left. He seems to run very hard.
PT would be third on my list, but I think his durability is a concern and see him used more for his screen/swing pass abilities.
Just a hunch.
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
by hooahsaint2.0 on Aug 5, 2011 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
And Charles then Jones for KC.
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
by hooahsaint2.0 on Aug 5, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
CRAP
Just realized the question. I’d say our backs for sure. They are more involved in the passing game as well.
Reggie may not have had it Ingram, but Sproles will be just Ivory.
by hooahsaint2.0 on Aug 5, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
All of KC’s RBs are good receivers, too. They’re just never on TV, so nobody notices.
by BlackandGold4ever on Aug 5, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow…that’s a tough one. I’ll go with our backs, but KC is stacked at RB, too
by BlackandGold4ever on Aug 5, 2011 7:16 AM CDT reply actions
Well, New England got Andre Carter on the cheap, and he’s looking good as ever at DE. I am still concerned at DE, especially when Will takes a month off.
The Saints took care of the C position, allowing Tennant to provide depth at all 3 interior positions (though I’d rather another bonafide G who started last year).
I believe we could still use a solid veteran at TE. I believe Scaiffe is off the market now and have no clue who is out there.
OLB still looks like turd.
Safety behind Jenkins/Harper looks like turd.
The Saints probably still need to make a few moves.
Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.
by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Aug 22, 2011 2:20 PM CDT reply actions
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