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Across the NFL, there was an outpouring of affection for defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy. His career spanned from 1990-2000, and was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2012 class after several finalist finishes.
Statement from Mickey Loomis on the passing of Cortez Kennedy: pic.twitter.com/0awRT5JUET
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 23, 2017
Kennedy was the godfather to Mickey Loomis’ daughter.
Thoughts and prayers are with Cortez Kennedy's family. A great friend and the most genuine person you would ever want to meet.
— Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) May 23, 2017
#96 pic.twitter.com/b9sqX32FAw
Great sadness on the passing of my friend #CortezKennedy. A real gentle giant, great football player, better person! Loved by everyone. RIP!
— Warren Moon (@WMoon1) May 23, 2017
Saddened to hear about the loss of Cortez Kennedy. One of the greatest players I have ever coached and an even better man. Rest In Peace #96
— Coach Ed Orgeron (@Coach_EdOrgeron) May 23, 2017
Shocked at Cortez Kennedy passing..1 of the most talented players I ever recruited or coached...a fun loving person a sad day..
— Jimmy Johnson (@JimmyJohnson) May 23, 2017
R.I.P Cortez Kennedy... Gone way too early. Thanks for always sharing knowledge to a young buck like me... #TheU
— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) May 23, 2017
This is one of my saddest days in my life to hear this news about Cortez Kennedy. He was my mentor and close friend and today is a struggle
— Vince Wilfork (@wilfork75) May 23, 2017
After being discharged from @OchsnerHealth over the weekend, @SeanPayton invited @Jarrius to the today's first team meeting of OTAs! #Saints pic.twitter.com/8jTd7quyRK
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 23, 2017
League just unanimously passed moving Los Angeles Super Bowl back to 2022, and having Tampa host Feb 2021 game.
— Sam Farmer (@LATimesfarmer) May 23, 2017
The Saints welcome three new additions to the 2017 Hall of Fame, who you might recognize.
Congratulations to our three honorees! pic.twitter.com/YFh841R7Vd
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 23, 2017
The NFL had some big changes to the rules for this season, and here’s a few of the best ones.
.@NFL owners have passed a resolution allowing two players to return off Injured Reserve, source says. Used to be just one.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 23, 2017
The @NFL has passed a rule change moving overtime from 15 minutes to 10 minutes, per league official. Expected but important.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 23, 2017
Per source, the owners just passed a resolution eliminating the 75-man cutdown. So now, there'll be just one cutdown day -- 90 to 53.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 23, 2017
Letter from Roger Goodell
Today, we are excited to tell you about another change that comes after conversations with more than 80 current and former players: we are relaxing our rules on celebrations to allow players more room to have fun after they make big plays.
Bill Barnwell hands out NFC South offseason grades
The Saints devoted draft picks toward fixing their pass defense. It's not exactly a secret that the Jairus Byrd era did not go well for the Saints. The former Bills ball hawk had a nightmare run in New Orleans. A pass defense that ranked sixth in the league by DVOA before Byrd arrived fell to 27th, 32nd and 29th during Byrd's three years in the Bayou.
Byrd was released this offseason and remains a free agent, but he was not the only problem. Fellow free-agent addition Brandon Browner was a disaster in 2015. New Orleans's draft picks have been a disaster, with 2014 second-rounder Stanley Jean-Baptiste released after four games with the team and 2015 third-rounder P.J. Williams missing 30 of his first 32 game thanks to injury. Safety Kenny Vaccaro took a major step backward before returning to form over the past year. The only players emerging from the Saints' backfield with significant credit are CFL refugee Delvin Breaux and street free agent Sterling Moore, who was signed out of desperation last September.
Grading the Draft New Orleans Saints | Draft Analyst
Lattimore is a superb athlete who made as many plays with his speed last season as he did with football talent. He must stay healthy and improve his game; if he does that, Lattimore will be a starter for a long time to come.
Ryan Ramczyk could be a steal for New Orleans. He's a long, athletic lineman who could play either tackle spot but needs to get stronger and improve his playing strength before he'll see action on Sundays.
New Orleans Saints' plan to fix linebacker woes: More is better | ESPN
Anthony’s best position definitely seems to be in the middle; Payton said the same thing at the end of last season. But that’s a lot different than suggesting that Anthony is the best candidate to start at middle linebacker.
Obviously the Saints aren't counting on that, since they went out and signed Klein and Te'o.
But while that crowded competition will make things tougher for individuals such as Anthony, the sheer volume of candidates should help the Saints a great deal overall.