New Orleans Saints free agency spotlight: Outside linebackers
 

The New Orleans Saints' outside linebacker position remains very unsettled as we head toward the start of free agency on March 13. Strong-side starter Jo-Lonn Dunbar is an unrestricted free agent, while backups Jonathan Casillas and Ramon Humber are both restricted free agents.

Plus, it's possible that even more vacancies could be created if the Saints decide to cut ties with veterans Scott Shanle or Will Herring to clear some salary-cap space.

The only outside linebacker who should be considered a "lock" to be back on the Saints' roster in 2012 is second-year pro Martez Wilson, who showed some promising signs down the stretch of his rookie season.

Re-signing Dunbar will be a priority for the Saints, but the 26-year-old may not be that easy to keep. The 6-foot, 226-pounder had a breakout year in 2011, especially when he filled in for injured Jonathan Vilma as the starting middle linebacker. The "mike" middle linebacker position is the most natural for Dunbar, and it's possible he could be looking for a starting job in the middle somewhere else.

Casillas and Humber should be easier to keep as restricted free agents. However, the Saints will have to consider offering a higher tender to Casillas, which would come with second-round draft-pick compensation, to ward off other potential suitors.

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Let Vilma walk. Sign Grant to compete with Dunbar. Use the extra cap room to address other areas of need. I love Vilma but I think it's the most logical thing to do.

Wilson, Dunbar/Grant, Casillas/FA/draft pick

Villma has been good just do not think he will come back to his old form. May be wrong about him and we all know it depends on what comes down disipline wise. The NFL does not look like they are in a hurry to make their judgement so Loomis is going to have to make some interviews of his own or go with some gut feelings on cutting people lose and to try and get some free agents in here. I think he has to pull the trigger on some people and get Spagnola to the film room fast to help make those choices. Next year really depends on what happens in the next few weeks.

I think Manny Lawson could help. I wouldn't mind seeing him playing with us. He's not too old and I think he's healthy. I like Wilson the most of all of our LB'ers. From what I've seen he's picking it up fast. Although, I am not a really a big fan of Dunbar I'd still like to keep him. While he filled in he made some bad and good decisions.......nothing he's done was above average.jmho
The rest of the roster is nothing but filler. Someone may step up this season with a new coordinator. We'll see.

Doesn't seem like too big of a deal to me. Re-sign Dunbar to play MLB because Vilma will probably end up being suspended and he was a possibility to be cut anyway. He won't be back. Then Casillas at WLB and Wilson at SLB.

Man I sure hope Spagnuola gets Tez up to speed!I'm believing we've had what we needed but they weren't utilized correctly.Vilma's replacement is my main cause for concern.S_ o_ t _hanl_ please go away.