Mike Vike Maybe?
 

I was just thinking about something. Could we have taken a fast DE in the first round just because we are in a division with Vick? Could the coaches be scared?

:exclam: :exclam: :exclam:

Neither the bucs nor carolina are very explosive offensively. Saints drafted 6 defencive linemen since Vick has come into the league, and only 5 in twice as many years before he became a Dirty Bird. Is Vick the downfall of the Haslett regime?

Mike Vike Maybe?
 

No - Haslett is the downfall of the Haslett regime.

Mike Vike Maybe?
 

I think the Saints are either playing a game with Howard or they don\'t think they will be able to keep him with the team long term. After todays signing of Howard to only a one year deal says alot. I was hoping for a long term signing of Howard but it looks as though we\'ll allow another quality player to walk away in the prime of his career. That sucks!

Mike Vike Maybe?
 

coastalkid,

I have read of the conspiracy theory of using Smith status and prowless in negotiations with Howard. Quite frankly I find it interesting that the Saints have to pay a #1 draft choice at #10 for use with Howard\'s deal. Interesting indeed!

If true, the Saints organization is in need of more help than we ever thought!

Mike Vike Maybe?
 

Jim Haslett, I\'d like to introduce you to your mortal enemy: Jim Haslett. :casstet:

Mike Vike Maybe?
 

biloxi,
I never said that they were using Smith as a way to negotiate with Howard. In fact that would be stupid because what exactly has Smith proved in the NFL??? NADA so Howard and his agent would eat that ploy alive. Howard is a proven, productive, and mainstay of our D-Line. Smith is a \"maybe\" or \"possibility\" but I don\'t think his being drafted has Howard or his agent worried enough to settle for some cheap contract. I do think that by drafting him the Saints think they have a fall back in case Howard doesn\'t get onboard long term. It seems as though Howard is willing to give us one more year and then walk away and sign a mega deal next year most likely with another team in our division......atlanta, carolina or tampa.....time will tell. Just wait and see

Mike Vike Maybe?
 

If the Saints drafted Will Smith to leverage against Howard and try to reduce his asking price they\'re retarded. I don\'t think that\'s what they were thinking.

However, whether it was premeditated or not, by drafting a DE the Saints can now entertain the idea of letting Howard leave. That is magnified by the fact that they drafted a FIRST ROUND defensive end.

I\'m not saying this was premeditated or done to affect the Howard deal. However, it\'s hard for me not to think this means the end of Darren Howard in NO. The only way I can think that we keep him is if a) he has a Pro Bowl year (yes that will increase his cost but the coaches will get faith back in him and after the La\'Roi debacle they couldn\'t afford, IMO, to let another Pro Bowl D-linemen go), and b) Smith makes a name for himself playing as a linebacker. If those two things don\'t happen, then I can\'t imagine Howard being a Saint in 2005.