Analyzing the Saints 2010 Free Agents: Receivers & Tight Ends

We turn back now to our look at Saints players set to become free agents. Today, we're discussing receivers and tight ends. The tight end position is particularly interesting because every player at the position not named Jeremy Shockey will enter free agency this off-season. That leaves much to discuss. More after the jump.

Of course I can't forget the official 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, then become restricted. This is represented by an asterisk(*).

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 back onto the market.

Lance Moore

Wide Receiver

Restricted Free Agent

Analysis: He was Drew's favorite target in 2008 but Lance's production was hampered significantly by his absence due to injury this season. I'm still a big fan, however, so I would like to see him stay. Like they did last year, I think they tender an offer. If another team is interested, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Saints take the draft pick compensation and let Moore leave; the Saints have plenty of receivers.  

Opinion:  Tendered offer. Don't know what happens after that. 

Courtney Roby

Wide Receiver

Restricted Free Agent*

Analysis: I gotta say, Roby really won me over toward the end of the season with his special teams play. Watching Morstead punt and Roby down it on the two-yard line with surprising consistency was just a thing of beauty. It's exactly what the Saints were missing and what Payton was madly searching for when they cycled through a million punters last year. Seriously, it was like a million. For his special teams play alone, I want to see him stay. Thanks to the uncapped season Roby, who would normally have been unrestricted, is now restricted. 

Opinion:  Keep him.

Dan Campbell

Tight End

Unrestricted Free Agent

Analysis: I couldn't really tell you anything about Dan Campbell other than I remember him looking like a member of Nickelback. Campbell was placed on IR very early last season so fans never got to know him. I wouldn't plan on ever getting to know him.

Opinion:  He's gone.

Billy Miller

Tight End

Unrestricted Free Agent

Analysis: Billy is part of the heart and soul of the New Orleans Saints and everyone's favorite hard-nosed tight end. He has stayed active and involved with the organization and media even while spending the entire year on IR. I'm expecting the Saints to offer Miller a contract, perhaps something short term. The only question is: Where does he now stand on the depth chart? 

Opinion: Welcome back, Billy. 

Dave Thomas

Tight End

Restricted Free Agent*

Analysis: One of the most pleasant surprises of the season - other than winning the Super Bowl - was the emergence of The Baconator. I think he's earned a spot in Payton's heart and on his roster. Expect to see Thomas next year fighting Billy Miller for the second spot.   

Opinion:  He stays.

Darnell Dinkins

Tight End

Unrestricted Free Agent

Analysis: Dinkins wasn't much of a factor on the field this season, with only five catches for 22 yards. Injuries may have been to blame. My fondest memory of him this season was his penchant for standing up on the bench and waving a towel at the crowd in an effort to get them loud on key downs. Depending on how many tight ends they want to keep, the Saints may let him walk or keep him around for competition and depth purposes if it's cheap.  

Opinion:  Wouldn't be surprised to see him leave.