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The 2012 NFL free agency period may not be the kindest to the New Orleans Saints as they have 13 unrestricted free agents that they must deal with, including the big three — quarterback Drew Brees, guard Carl Nicks, and wide receiver Marques Colston.

Besides these three the Saints will also have to figure out what to do with corner Tracy Porter, wide receiver Robert Meachem, linebacker Ramon Humber, defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, and linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar — the most notable – among many others.

First and foremost it seems very likely that Brees gets a new contract, or at worst gets franchised for the 2012-2013 season while negotiations are ongoing to finalize a new deal.

There is now way that Brees is not wearing a Saints jersey until the day he decides to hang up his cleats for good.

Nicks is a Pro Bowl guard, one of the best in the league, and one sure to command big money.

Last year teammate Jahri Evans, his partner on the other side of center, signed a seven-year, $56.7 million dollar contract which included a $12 million dollar signing bonus.

Nicks should get every bit of that, if not more, to remain with the Saints.

Marques Colston posted his third straight 1,000 yard season, and fifth since entering the league six years ago.

In fact the only season he didn’t post over one thousand yards was in 2008 when he missed five games with a broken thumb.

The average NFL receiver makes about a $1.5 million dollar base salary per season, however top tier receivers can command upwards of $20 million.

Arizona Cardinal receiver Larry Fitzgerald made $20 million in 2011 after signing an eight-year, $128.5 million dollar contract in August just before the start of the season.

While Colston won’t get that type of money, Baltimore’s Anquan Boldin makes $6 million a year, while Detroit’s Calvin Johnson hauls in a cool $8.875 million dollar base salary.

Logic dictates that Colston’s new deal will fall somewhere in that range — $6 to $8 million — as he is more productive than Boldin and nearly as productive as Johnson.

That would be huge payday for Colston, who was tied for 14th in the league matching Houston’s Kevin Walter with a $3 million dollar salary in 2011.

Saints re-signing Brees, Colston, Nicks could cost pricey veterans their jobs

jeanpierre

Sounds like the defense will be facing some cuts...

Pay for Production

NOS2SB

Does anyone think that Brees will take a cut in order to keep other players?

Saint_LB

I don't. Unless I heard it wrong...I was listening to an 8 + minute interview on WWL am 870 and he was going on about how the NFL was a business and how you hated to see fellow teammates and friends move-on, but emphasized that this was part of the business and he couldn't let his emotions affect his business dealings...or words to that effect.

Everybody knows that I have always been leary of his inner intentions...and I hope I misinterpreted what I heard...but in a way...I agree with him. He can't worry that they might not be able to sign everyone if he makes too much...he has to protect his own and his family's interest.

I have been very hard on him regarding this topic but I do believe that his ego will win out in the end. He wants to be the highest paid player and by all rights he deserves to be, but if he is the highest paid player after this is all over, there is no way that Loomis can bring everybody else back, IMO.

Whether you think you can or think you can't...you're right!

SanDiego49er

IMO it will be tough for you guys to keep Brees and Colston. The economics of it will just be really tough. Colston probably goes.

subguy

I dont think Drew is a selfish guy, but I think he knows his value. I dont think he will settle dwon on his money to keep others. My gut tells me Colston goes and Drew and Nicks get signed.

Mardigras9

Brees, Colston, and Nicks are back. Porter is gone, Dunbar is back. Rest are gone I believe.

Danno

Has there ever been a year where Loomis didn't perform his cap magic?

We'll keep the guys we need, and restructure several others, add some vets to fill holes.

I'm startingto think we don't lose anybody we really need.

jcp026

Will his ego win out in regards to wanting to be the highest paid player or will it win out in regards to wanting to win Super Bowls and be one of the greatest ever?

NOS2SB

I tend to agree, but after you have 50 million, what's another 10? Would you be less happier in life if you were 10 million short? I know I wouldn't.