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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.

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