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An early look at the 2017 New Orleans Saints free agents

Just three games remain for some players, and we take a look at the different ones that the team will have to make a decision on.

By John J. Hendrix
Denver Broncos v New Orleans Saints Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The New Orleans Saints find themselves facing an uphill battle with no tools in sight to help them close out the season on a positive note. For many of the players, they are looking at their final weeks with the black and gold. For some, they can only hope they’re included in 2017’s plan to rebound and try to rid the stench of losing season after losing season.

Here’s an early glimpse at the 25 free agents the Saints have heading into 2017.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents (3)

Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFA) – Player is not under contract, and has not reached three years of experience. If the team makes said player an offer at the three-year veteran minimum, the player has a ‘take it or leave it’ option. There is no negotiation with other teams.

  • Willie Snead, WR (24)
  • Wil Lutz, K (22)
  • Jake Lampman, WR (23)

Restricted Free Agents (4)

Restricted Free Agent (RFA) – Player has only three years of experience, and would not have a contract with his current team. Any team would have the option to make a contract offer, but the team (Saints) would be able to match/retain that player with said offer.

  • B.W. Webb, CB (26)
  • Chris Banjo, S (26)
  • Kasim Edebali, DE (27)
  • Brandon Coleman, WR (24)

Unrestricted Free Agents (18)

Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) – Player is free to sign with any team. He would not have a contract with his current team. You would need to play four years, or get cut, to be in this category.

  • Nick Fairley, DT (28)
  • Paul Kruger, DE (30)
  • Roman Harper, S (33)
  • Michael Mauti, LB (26)
  • Jahri Evans, G (33)
  • Tim Lelito, G (27)
  • John Kuhn, FB (34)
  • Darryl Tapp, DE (32)
  • Jamarca Sanford, S (31)
  • Justin Drescher, LS (28)
  • Tim Hightower, RB (30)
  • Kyle Wilson, CB (29)
  • Tony Hills, OT (32)
  • Sterling Moore, CB (26)
  • Travaris Cadet, RB (27)
  • Shiloh Keo, S (29)
  • John Phillips, TE (29)
  • Sam Barrington, LB (26)

The NFL’s Salary Cap is expected to rise as high as $10 million year over year in 2017, which bodes well for the Saints. However, they will have some big decisions to make in the offseason and could actually generate even more money to bring to the table through restructures and cuts.

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