pakowitz

FREE AGENT UPDATE

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--SLB James Allen (has never played up to his capabilities and was supposed to start this season, but a knee injury in training camp later landed him on injured reserve).

--C LeCharles Bentley (a Pro Bowl pick for the second time in three years and a favorite of former coach Jim Haslett, he'll test the market if the Saints don't franchise him).

--CB Fakhir Brown (was a starter until an ill-advised holdout during the team's coaching sessions last spring. He could return depending on who the new coach is).

--WR Az-Zahir Hakim (oft-injured throughout training camp and the regular season, it's not known where he will fit in next season).

--TE Lamont Hall (a designated blocker who may or may not be asked back depending on the coach).

--SLB Sedrick Hodge (has never lived up to expectations as a third-round draft pick and may not be re-signed).

--DE Darren Howard (was franchised the last two seasons, last year at $7.8 million, but has been plagued by injuries and was inactive for the final four games of 2005. He's probably played his last game for the Saints).

--WR/KR Michael Lewis (a fan favorite, he is coming off a serious knee injury and will turn 35 just two months after the 2006 opener).

--RB Fred McAfee (a special-teams standout, he's probably played his last NFL game considering he'll be 38 years old when training camp begins).

--MLB Ronald McKinnon (a solid player once he joined the starting lineup at mid-season, he could be re-signed depending on the coach and coordinator).

--SS Mel Mitchell (another player who has distinguished himself on special teams, but hasn't been able to see much time on defense).

--SLB T.J. Slaughter (was plagued by a groin injury, but could be asked back since the Saints are desperate for linebacking help).

--RB Antowain Smith (finished as the team's leading ball carrier with 659 yards and is a good presence in the locker room, but he'll be 34 by the time next season starts).

--RB Anthony Thomas (was not impressive and got very few opportunities after being signed in the second half of the season).

--DT Willie Whitehead (a solid citizen and good run-stopper, he's had some knee problems that might make the Saints think twice about re-signing him because he turns 33 in the off-season).

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--TE Zach Hilton (a former undrafted free agent, the 6-foot-8 receiver was third on the team with 35 catches after not catching a ball in his first two years with the team and will probably be tendered a contract offer).

--G Montrae Holland (a fourth-round draft pick in 2003, he's started 30 games at left and right guard in three seasons and will likely receive a tender offer).

FEELING A DRAFT: It's hard to tell what the new coach will want, but the Saints' top priority should be quarterback if Aaron Brooks does not return. Todd Bouman, who replaced Brooks as the starter with three games remaining, isn't the answer and rookie Adrian McPherson is likely a couple of seasons away from being able to contribute.

Other priorities include linebacker, offensive line, defensive tackle and cornerback.

MEDICAL WATCH: The Saints had 11 players on injured reserve at the end of the season. Running back Deuce McAllister, tight end Ernie Conwell, strong safety Jay Bellamy, wide receiver/kick returner Michael Lewis, middle linebacker Courtney Watson and tight end Boo Williams all had surgery and are continuing their rehab.

I Live In Beastmode!

TheDeuce

My opinion...

Keepers:
LeCharles Bentley
Fakhir Brown (Just because I believe we will be able to get him for cheap because his holdout turned out to be an awful decision)
Michael Lewis (if he can MAKE the team)
Ronald McKinnon
Antowain Smith
Willie Whitehead
Zach Hilton
Montrae Holland

Cut:
The rest of em


Anybody know if we still have the possibility to trade Howard? Or will he just become a free agent?

pakowitz

he will become a FA

pakowitz

im not sure if we could franchise bentley and transition howard

the transition tag means...

A Transition player must be offered a minimum of the average of the top 10 salaries of last season at the player's position or 120% of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. A transition player designation gives the club a first-refusal right to match within seven days an offer sheet given to the player by another club after his contract expires. If the club matches, it retains the player. If it does not match, it receives no compensation.

ssmitty

now here is a very interesting topic i have not seen brought up yet.......
sean is a qb coach...................and, is known for getting the most out of em.........
what if, he takes a liking to am?
i'm sure when evaluations are done, he'll know where he stands.........
while i'm not saying am will be groomed to start, i am saying this opens up a whole new twist to the draft if it happens.......
of course, he could like ab as well...........and again, this will bring a whole new twist.....
it will be very interesting to watch this unfold.....because now, i am rooting for am and a whole new direction............................smitty

GoldenTomb

Howard is a malcontent and he doesn't want to be here. In addition to that he's injury prone. Let him go i say.

CHACHING

You know what ssmitty, I've been reading posts for about three years now on this board and your comment about Payton and A-mac is by far one of the most interesting posts yet.
I never even thought about a-mac.(so wound up in firing AB and drafting Leinart)
but that actualy is truly interesting.....I mean look at what he did for Bledsoe and Quincy
"crack-head" Carter..............
Im lookin forward to results....FAST.

BlackandBlue

link.....

ssmitty

yes, it should be very interesting......sean is coming in with a qb that has all the talent, (ab)
and a qb that has all the potential, (am)..............
has he had this anywhere else? although everyone is blinded by the draft right now, i just can not see getting rid of ab as soon as he talks to him.
benson would be the one to cut the strings here.........
could you imagine getting out of ab what everyones been begging for the past 5 yrs?
in this scenario, the draft really does take on a whole new direction..........
and if it plays out this way, there is a chance he could duplicate what haz did his first yr.
saban's already been rumored to have contacted venturi, so i do believe we'll see a whole new staff in place.
i look forward to what's gonna unfold here over the next few months........smitty

gfanaticlsu

I just don't think we should even worry about Howard. He doesn' t want to be here because I'm sure that we have offered him good money and he hasn't signed a long term deal for the last couple of years. I say let him go. Will Smith is younger faster and has a lot more energy. If we can get Charles Grant to play like he did the two years prior the last season, we will have one hell of a tandum. Very young and fiery.