Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

DE Michael Johnson - played himself out of my favor this weekend. i just did not see the hustle out of him. for the money he will want i may have to take a pass.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

It's funny you say that because several publications are starting to rank Albert ahead of Long which would may indicate that Long could be affordable...

Now I do think Albert would be better in the run game which I think could use a spark...

When we've got to face physical, speed rushing defensive lines like the Giants, 49ers, even the Panthers - I'd like to just line up and beat the sh*t out of them for 3 quarters...

then let Drew drop play action bombs on them mid way through the 3rd quarter just to break their will and spirit and set the tone for the playoffs...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Saints have some cache in the trade department as RB has become a premium position...

Some teams will need help and we've got three quality, conventional running backs in Thomas, Ivory, and Ingram...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

No we can't afford them all, but this would be a pick list which I would work from with even five on this list would be a haul...

JeanPierre's Top Ten FA List:

01 FS Jarius Byrd
02 OC Brian De La Puente
03 DE Michael Johnson
04 DT Henry Melton
05 LT Branden Albert
06 LB Daryl Smith
07 RT Andre Smith
08 LB Erin Henderson
09 SS Matt Giorlando
10 WR Julian Edelman

With the commitment to Brees, we've really got to shore up the OL and though de La Puente is a RFA, he needs to be brought back in positive fashion...

Some have noted we had Giorlando and let him go; I think Spags would like this guy...

Andre Smith, with an enriching environment led by Brees, would have little issues staying in shape and being a monster mauler at Right Tackle...

Julian Edelman offers great versatility as he plays a number of positons between offense and defense as well as being a special teams ace...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Top Ten FA List:

01 LT Branden Albert - would prefer Jake Long because of Albert's durability issues but Long has been making 12 million; Saints have been paying Bushrod 3.25 and Albert made 2.7 past season; this is one where a careful balance in salary cap money made available and allotment at this position will effect the balance on this or any list of free agent upgrades for the Saints...

02 OC Brian De La Puente - the center position is one of the most sacred to a football offense and though subtle, can affect the entire chemistry of that unit; this is another position that because of the RFA designation may be signed late, but should be given a priority so there is no uncertainty lingering long into the offseason...

03 FS Jarius Byrd - we're not going to find an entire front seven in FA and the draft, but the biggest reason why the Saints had, historically, the worst defense in the NFL was because of YAC where the Saints were the worse; Darren Sharper was the last great safety the Saints have had and Byrd would have the same impact for an awful Saints defense...

04 DE Michael Johnson - an up and coming Defensive End who's been taught the game by one of the best in Marvin Lewis; he's got prototypical size, speed which is non-existent at the Starting Right Defensive End position...

05 DT Henry Melton - one of the fastest defensive tackles in the box and still very young, but with commitments to Bunkley and the promise of Hicks, can we afford him?

06 LB Daryl Smith - an impact upgrade at a position that's had vanilla level talent, Smith still has a good three years and could allow for a new player to develop at the WILL...


07 RT Andre Smith - his talent is as immense as his girth which has been his fatal flaw, he would thrive under the guidance of the Saints Locker Room but will his appetite extend to his salary demands? and would he hinder the best screen play in the game?!?

08 LB Erin Henderson - his off-field behaviour seemingly behind him which may make him affordable, his talent could be enough to complement a Saints defense for four more seasons. But would he be a distraction?

09 SS Matt Giorlando - Gregg Williams is the gift that keeps giving; we had him and we did not see to develop him - nor any defensive backs for the Saints under Williams and now Spagnulo which begs the question - Why do we draft cornerbacks in the first round if we are only going to berrate them and sit them for the first season or two?!? Giorlando would be an affordable Strong Safety who can tackle and cover better than what we've paid Harper to do...

10 WR Julian Edelman - with so little money seemingly available, it may be that we only sign three to four free agents so it makes sense to sign a guy that has played wide receiver, cornerback, special teams, et al; and our special teams needs upgrades starting with the Spec Teams Coordinator and this guy would be a good starting block for a new Special Teams Coach...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

The two targets I like best are #2 & #10. I'm assuming De la Puente will be signed and I think you're spot on with the Julian Edelman (WR) target. He's the kind of guy who will give you a lot bang for the buck and would do well in New Orleans.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

I think that #2 is a given, so I won't even debate about that.

But other than that, I think #3 and #5 would be awesome additions who'd immediately make the defense better both on the front- and backside.

I don't think the Vikes are going to let Henderson go, and more importantly I don't think he wants to leave, so IMO he's not even an option.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Saints Free Agents (Replacement Candidate)

Sedrick Ellis, DT (Henry Melton, DT CHI)
Turk McBride, DE (Greg Romeus, DE NO/IR)
Jonathan Casillas, LB (Chris Chamberlain, LB NO/IR)
Ramon Humber, LB (No Change/Better Draftee)
Scott Shanle, LB (Daryl Smith, LB JAX)
Junion Gallette, DL - RFA (Will Allow to Leave for Draft Pick)
Rafael Bush, DB (No Change/Better Draftee)
Elbert Mack (DB) (Marquis Johnson, NO/IR)

Jermon Bushrod, (Branden Albert, OT KC)
Brian DeLaPuente, C- RFA (Tendered; Will Allow to Leave for Draft Pick)
Eric Olsen, OL - (No Changed, Tendered)
Justin Drescher (Marcel Jones, OL NO/IR)
Chase Daniel (No Changed, Tendered)
Chris Ivory (Tendered; Will Allow to Leave for Draft Pick)
Courtney Roby, WR (Julian Edelman, WR NE)

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Pretty good list JP. Don't like the Giordano choice since he couldn't beat out either of our starting safeties before so I don't think he can now. I'd prefer to fix the front 7 first, then address the back-end.

Love the Albert choice, but only if we can't re-up with Bushrod.

I like both LB's you listed and both would be upgrades at WLB. Although we didn't get to see Chamberlain in action. He looks like a more athletic Shanle, which is a compliment.

So, have we all given up hope for our OT Marcell Jones?

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

I haven't, and I think that he'll make a serious push for the starting RT position this upcoming season - he looked good in the preseason, especially when considering his rawness coming out from the draft, so I think he can be an upgrade over Strief if he can stay healthy and keep learning from Kromer and the veteran O-line guys.