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Saints News 3/18/13: Saints Sign TE Benjamin Watson; Re-Sign LB Ramon Humber

In other free agency news, Saints still awaiting Nnamdi Asumugha decision. Tweets saying he has signed with the Saints are reportedly untrue at this time.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Tweets

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Receiving a ton of tweets about Asomugha agreeing to terms with the <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Saints">#Saints</a>. Talked to Sean Payton about 40 minutes ago on Nnamdi.</p>&mdash; Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) <a href="https://twitter.com/LarryHolder/status/313748937636990976">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>When asked if he had a sense of where Asomugha was leaning, Sean Payton said, ""Nothing right now. Just waiting to see." <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Saints">#Saints</a></p>&mdash; Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) <a href="https://twitter.com/LarryHolder/status/313749103286833152">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Roger Goodell says the playoffs will not be expanded for 2013.</p>&mdash; Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/313743633641795584">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Goodell says NFL presented an alternative calendar for the offseason to the union, hasn't heard back yet on that.</p>&mdash; Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/313743372869304320">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Roger Goodell said the blackout in the Dome shouldn't affect New Orleans from receiving another Super Bowl bid.</p>&mdash; Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) <a href="https://twitter.com/LarryHolder/status/313742990235549696">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Things are going well between him and the Saints. If price is right, I think it'll happen. RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/whodatduggdat">whodatduggdat</a>: Any news on Asomugha?</p>&mdash; Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffDarlington/status/313734931358572545">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Speaking of Saints, I had good candid chat with Sean Payton today. He seems extremely rejuvenated. Looks healthy. Sounds vibrant. Watch out.</p>&mdash; Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffDarlington/status/313735456082755584">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>ESPN's Outside The Lines on Steubenville: "We're pretty sure this all traces back to Mickey Loomis in some way."</p>&mdash; Grandmaster Wang (@moosedenied) <a href="https://twitter.com/moosedenied/status/313734070402183168">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>To all my folks down in New Orleans, please give a warm welcome to your newest Saint, my good friend @<a href="https://twitter.com/benjaminswatson">benjaminswatson</a>!</p>&mdash; Scott Fujita (@scottfujita99) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottfujita99/status/313733655266725888">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Blessed to continue my NFL career with saints! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23ExcitingTimes">#ExcitingTimes</a> <a href="http://t.co/502dDT6jqr" title="http://instagr.am/p/XAmSzmlt3v/">instagr.am/p/XAmSzmlt3v/</a></p>&mdash; Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenjaminSWatson/status/313722404272734208">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The Saints have signed TE Benjamin Watson (@<a href="https://twitter.com/benjaminswatson">benjaminswatson</a>) to a 3-year deal <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23FreeAgency">#FreeAgency</a> <a href="http://t.co/voifBIwAAv" title="http://twitter.com/Saints/status/313711565180375040/photo/1">twitter.com/Saints/status/…</a></p>&mdash; New Orleans Saints (@Saints) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints/status/313711565180375040">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>We bout to b playin flag football in the league soon!! No pads lol</p>&mdash; Mark Ingram(@Mark_Ingram28) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mark_Ingram28/status/313722670409715713">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Duncan thinks the new TE will fill the role of the recently-departed TE. Rock-solid analysis, right there.</p>&mdash; Reid G. (@ReidG75) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReidG75/status/313720871829270528">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>:"success in life is a matter not so much of talent and opportunity as of concentration and perseverance"</p>&mdash; Darren Sharper (@sharper42) <a href="https://twitter.com/sharper42/status/313720929031159808">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Last season with the Browns, Watson started 14 of 16 games &amp; had 49 recs for 501 yds &amp; 3 TDs <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Saints">#Saints</a></p>&mdash; New Orleans Saints (@Saints) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints/status/313714567232495616">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>HUMBER OF THE BEAST! RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/saints">saints</a>: The Saints have also agreed to terms on a one-year contract with LB Ramon Humber</p>&mdash; Grandmaster Wang (@moosedenied) <a href="https://twitter.com/moosedenied/status/313713676215525376">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The NFL has proposed a Thursday doubleheader format to MLB for the Ravens and Orioles for 9/5, but there haven't been any talks on it yet.</p>&mdash; Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/313711453720956928">March 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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Who dat talkin' 'bout dem Saints?

New Orleans Saints Add TE Benjamin Watson and LB Ramon Humber
The New Orleans Saints announced Monday that they have signed unrestricted free agent tight end Benjamin Watson to a three-year contract and agreed to terms on a one-year contract with linebacker Ramon Humber. The announcement was made by Saints’ Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis.

Saints sign Ben Watson | ProFootballTalk
Free agent tight end Benjamin Watson is heading to New Orleans. Watson, who was the starting tight end for the Browns last season and caught 49 passes for 501 yards and three touchdowns, has signed with the Saints.

New Orleans Saints sign tight end Ben Watson, linebacker Ramon Humber | NOLA.com
In a effort to shore up depth at the linebacker and tight end positions, the New Orleans Saints have reached a three-year deal with unrestricted tight end Ben Watson and a one-year deal with linebacker Ramon Humber, the team announced Monday. Watson, 6-3, 255, a former first-round draft choice of the New England Patriots in 2004, joins the Saints after a three-year stint with the Cleveland Browns. With the Browns from 2010-2012, Watson appeared in 45 games with 41 starts from 2010-12.

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton curious to see where Nnamdi Asomugha ends up | NOLA.com
"It happens all the time in our business where a player has success and then maybe goes through a period of time where he doesn't," Payton said. "He had company in Philadelphia in regards to the struggles they had, and for two years we didn't see the same player we saw in Oakland for so many years. But that happens all the time. I think for us, you look at the body of work and look at what motivates the player and what he's excited about.

Saints waiting for Nnamdi Asomugha to choose team - CBSSports.com
Asomugha was at his best when he played for Rob Ryan in Oakland. Ryan is the Saints' new defensive coordinator.

New Orleans Saints, Nnamdi Asomugha 'hit it off' during weekend visit | NOLA.com
Loomis also said he and Coach Sean Payton met with Asomugha in New Orleans before the pair headed to the league owners meetings at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, which officially began Monday morning.

Saints agree to terms with Roby on one-year contract | Black and Gold

New Orleans Saints Agree to Terms with WR Courtney Roby
Courtney Roby has served as the Saints' special teams captain the past two seasons

Journalism On Today’s Interweb - Who Dat Social Club
Sometimes I think I’m in the wrong business. Sports reporting is really easy if you don’t care about facts.

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Other NFL free agency news

Breaking down the free-agenmt signings for all 32 NFL teams - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN
Lets review the first seven days of free agency. Breaking down the free-agenmt signings for all 32 NFL teams

Report: Lions, Dolphins interested in Osi Umenyiora | ProFootballTalk
Umenyiora huffed and puffed for years to get out of his contract with the Giants, finally succeeding when the team restructured his contract in 2012 to allow him to become a free agent this offseason. Umenyiora planned to cash in with a deal he felt was commensurate with his productivity. It’s a week into free agency and we’ve barely heard a whisper about Umenyiora, which suggests the market for his services is not as robust as he hoped.

Bucs trying to trade LeGarrette Blount | ProFootballTalk
The Buccaneers signed running back LeGarrette Blount to a one-year contract before the start of free agency, but that doesn't mean he'll play in Tampa this season. In fact, the Bucs are trying to trade Blount, according to the Tampa Bay Times. That's no surprise.

Jake Long's St. Louis Rams deal adds to NFC West's impressive work in NFL free agency - NFL - Peter King - SI.com
9. I think it was nice to speak to you again Sunday night, Sean Payton.

Rams, Long agree to terms on deal - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN
Rams, Long agree to terms on deal Rams, Long agree to terms on deal

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Lagniappe

NFL, retired players settle lawsuit over use of players’ images | ProFootballTalk
The settlement also establishes an independent licensing agency dedicated to the use of retired players’ publicity rights, overseen by a board of retired players.

Conflict with Orioles could force Ravens to open on road | ProFootballTalk
The Ravens might not be able to celebrate their Super Bowl title with the new-traditional Thursday home opener, because of baseball and religious holidays. And in the process, the Ravens’ own official Twitter account is citing "league sources" to break the news.

Judge throws out one Super Bowl ticket lawsuit | ProFootballTalk
U.S. District Judge David Cercone dismissed the fraud claim, saying the fans who brought the suit couldn’t prove that the NFL and the Cowboys intentionally defrauded them.

Super Bowl 2013 visit made 'The Late Late Show's' Craig Ferguson a New Orleans Saints fan | NOLA.com
His Super Bowl 2013 visit to New Orleans left Craig Ferguson, host of CBS' "The Late Late Show," a changed man. During a recent Jim Rome appearance on Ferguson's show, the host revealed that he's adopted the New Orleans Saints as his favorite NFL team.