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The New Orleans Saints said they will not use their franchise tag on left tackle Jermon Bushrod. But that doesn't mean the two-time Pro Bowl performer is necessarily leaving via free agency.

Bushrod, a fourth-round draft pick out of Towson in 2007, developed under Chicago Bears offensive coordinator/line coach Aaron Kromer. Speculation is the Bears could pursue Bushrod to follow his former position coach to the Bears and solve their issues on the blind side of quarterback Jay Cutler.

But Bushrod told Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune that he expects talks on a multiyear contract with the Saints to begin soon, perhaps later this week. The Saints did not want to place the franchise tag, $9.7 million for offensive linemen, on Bushrod, who will turn 29 in August.

"I played under the (restricted free agent) tender and then played under a two-year deal," Bushrod told the Times-Picayune. "So I'd like to have some stability moving forward."

The Saints have a history of letting linemen leave for big contracts elsewhere. Guard Carl Nicks went to Tampa Bay for a $47.5 million, five-year contract last March. Before him, centers Jonathan Goodwin and Jeff Faine exited for big pay days with other teams. Perhaps the Saints treat the left tackle for quarterback Drew Brees differently than interior linemen.

The salary cap has not been set, but the Bears project to have about $11 million in space. There are maneuvers they can make to create more space, but if they bring defensive tackle Henry Melton back it will take up considerable space. The Bears also have needs at linebacker, cornerback and tight end.

- See more at: Tackle Jermon Bushrod pursuing new deal with New Orleans Saints - chicagotribune.com

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