Howard says he'll quit if not a FA

saintswhodi · 12-16-2005, 09:05 AM

Howard done for season with future still in question

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Defensive end Darren Howard says his career with the New Orleans Saints has effectively ended because of coach Jim Haslett's decision to sit him out for the remainder of the season.
Haslett said Wednesday that Howard would not play again this season because of an injured right knee. The move will allow more playing time for rookie defensive end Jimmy Verdon, a seventh-round pick from Arizona State.

"This situation has nothing to do with Darren Howard's knee," Howard said. "This is all about Darren Howard and the New Orleans Saints not growing with each other. That's the bottom line."

Howard, 29, was designated as the Saints' franchise player in 2005, making a base salary of $7.8 million. He was inactive for Monday night's 36-17 loss to Atlanta Falcons and his contract expires after this season.
"This is not a discipline problem with Darren whatsoever," Haslett said. "We have an opportunity to play a young kid, who I think is going to be a good player. Darren probably won't be back with us next year because of salary-cap reasons."

Howard said he does not want to re-sign with the Saints and would "quit" if team officials prevented him from testing free agency.

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12-16-2005, 09:05 AM	#1
saintswhodi 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 6,941	Howard says he'll quit if not a FA Howard done for season with future still in question SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Defensive end Darren Howard says his career with the New Orleans Saints has effectively ended because of coach Jim Haslett's decision to sit him out for the remainder of the season. Haslett said Wednesday that Howard would not play again this season because of an injured right knee. The move will allow more playing time for rookie defensive end Jimmy Verdon, a seventh-round pick from Arizona State. "This situation has nothing to do with Darren Howard's knee," Howard said. "This is all about Darren Howard and the New Orleans Saints not growing with each other. That's the bottom line." Howard, 29, was designated as the Saints' franchise player in 2005, making a base salary of $7.8 million. He was inactive for Monday night's 36-17 loss to Atlanta Falcons and his contract expires after this season. "This is not a discipline problem with Darren whatsoever," Haslett said. "We have an opportunity to play a young kid, who I think is going to be a good player. Darren probably won't be back with us next year because of salary-cap reasons." Howard said he does not want to re-sign with the Saints and would "quit" if team officials prevented him from testing free agency. http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pb...512160319/1006