You make a great point, I'm simply looking at their LB corp v/s ours. I know we are both weak at that position, but I would give them a slight advantage. The big knock on him is that he is not an every down player, would be nice to have Vilma and when he needs a breather be able to replace him with the likes of Lofton. Ever since we won the SB I never question any moves of our front office

He's a 2 down thumper... which is why Atlanta isn't going to overbid for his services and willing to let him walk.

This has now been confirmed by Triplett

Mike Triplett ‏ @TripTP



Confirmed #Saints have shown interest in #Falcons MLB Curtis Lofton. Kicking tires on a few MLBs. Have to wonder what that means for Vilma.

I'm sorry, but if there's to be a changing of the guard at MLB, the only guy I want for the job is dunbar.

Yeah, and that's what bothers me about it. If the Failclowns are willing to let him go while replacing him with Tatupu... should the Saints really be going after him?

Hawthorne might be a better coverage MLB, and that is where Dunbar has the most to improve IMO, so Hawthorne as the starting MLB and maybe Dunbar (if cheap) as the depth guy?

I don't think Dunbar is a starter and those who say that there wasn't a big difference when he took over from Vilma - remember that Vilma was playing at like 80% level at that point in time.


Wilson - Hawthorne - Woodyard


That would be an awesome LB corps, but one that the Saints probably can't afford.

This is finally what I was wanting to see. First, you would gain a run stopping force. Yes, pass coverage is a little questionable but should change a little with a better defensive scheme (ala no more GW). Second, you get an inside look at the Falcons defense. No matter what you think, having an insider always is a plus... especially when that insider was a leader on the defense.

You think the only reason Nicks is wearing that dirty orange color is b/c he is a great lineman... I didnt think so...

Kicking the tires on several LB'ers. I have a bad feeling that Vilma will be suspended a few games. With age and his injury history we might let him walk. I imagine that Spagnulo will have to evaluate him and put his two cents in with the FO.

I started saying this about the whole bounty thing.

IF Vilma gets suspeneded for 6 plus games I think we cut him to make room for someone else....

Yeah, cutting Vilma now might be the best available choice for the Saints. I really like him as a player and his particular style of play, but his age and health problems have to be recognized for what they are - it's not like he is going to improve with time.

I've been a strong supporter of Vilma and I've stated many times that if his knees are now fine the Saints should hold on to him , but with the cap as it is - cutting him would save a lot of money and allow the Saints to sign a guy who could start for them for years to come, which is something Vilma most likely can't do.

And I'm not even bringing up the Bountygate issues.

Saints showing interest in free agent linebacker Curtis Lofton | ProFootballTalk

Multiple reports emerged Thursday afternoon that the New Orleans Saints are showing interest in free agent linebacker Curtis Lofton. The first came from NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora, and the second from Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Big contracts recently paid out to D’Qwell Jackson (five years, $42.5 million), Lawrence Timmons (six years, $50 million), and David Harris (four years, $36 million) have stalled the 2012 inside linebacker market. For instance, MLive.com’s Anwar Richardson has reported that free agent inside linebacker Stephen Tulloch is asking for more money than Jackson received from Cleveland.

In general, NFL teams balk at paying that much for linebackers who don’t rush the passer.

The Saints are one of the few teams actively making overtures to players at the position, however, and they will host former Seahawks middle linebacker David Hawthorne for a Friday visit.

They’re now giving Lofton a hard look.