dulplay

I don't know if you guys listen Sirius but I'm a junkie... anyway, on my way home John Riggins and Adam Schein interviewed Mickey Loomis on The Afternoon Blitz and he said Aaron Brooks is finished here, and that noone is interested in trading for him, salary too high/not worth it. Sounded like he'll be cut in the end.
Then Riggo asked him if he'd be calling Drew Brees at 12:01 and Loomis said he'd rather not talk about that and quickly moved on He did however hype Matt Leinart up, going on about how they wanted a winner... a guy who expects to win, not thinks they might be able to win and that Leinart is that kind of guy. Hmmm.

papz

AP reports New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the long-anticipated departure of QB Aaron Brooks hours before the league's trading and free agent-signing period got off to a belated start thanks to the protracted negotiations on a new labor agreement. "We're going to move on," Loomis told SIRIUS NFL Radio. "That's what it comes down to and how we do that will be determined in the next few weeks." Loomis said it's unlikely the Saints will be able to trade Brooks,

Tobias-Reiper

..so, in other words, they ARE targeting Brees...

..and Brooks gone!!!!

... my oh my... nothing but good news this fine fine Saturday morning...

tiggerpolice

Brooks out; Saints looking for QB

By LES EAST
Special to The Advocate
Published: Mar 11, 2006


(AP) photo by LENNY IGNELZI
Quarterback Drew Brees could be the top priority for the New Orleans Saints as free agency begins.

NEW ORLEANS — As the long-awaited NFL free agency period finally began late Friday night, the Saints were in the market for a new quarterback.

General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the long-anticipated departure of Aaron Brooks, the team’s starting quarterback for the last 5 1/2 seasons, hours before the league’s trading and free agent-signing period got off to a belated start thanks to the protracted negotiations on a new labor agreement.

Brooks’ departure had appeared inevitable since former coach Jim Haslett benched him for the final three games of last season, but Loomis left no doubt Friday.

“We’re going to move on.� Loomis told SIRIUS NFL Radio. “That’s what it comes down to and how we do that will be determined in the next few weeks.�

Loomis said it’s unlikely the Saints will be able to trade Brooks, who started 82 consecutive games before being benched in favor of Todd Bouman.

“We haven’t had anybody call,� Loomis said. “That’ll be determined here in the next week or so but I do know this — Aaron will be playing for someone next year and he’ll do a good job.�

If New Orleans waits until after June 2 to release Brooks, it is believed that they will save about $2 million under this year’s cap by splitting the prorated remainder of his bonus over the next two seasons. Brooks is due to make $6.5 million ($6.25 in base and $250,000 in workout bonuses) this year.

Brooks had his worst season as the Saints struggled to a 3-13 record, throwing 13 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

“Aaron has done a good job for us; he’s a good quarterback,� Loomis said. “He’s done a lot of really positive things. We took a step backwards as a team this year and that’s not on Aaron Brooks’ shoulders. That’s on our team’s shoulders and my shoulders and everyone involved.�

Loomis reiterated Friday night the Saints have decided to build new coach Sean Payton’s offense around a different quarterback.

New Orleans has the second pick in the April 29-30 NFL draft and will be able to select one of the top three quarterbacks — USC’s Matt Leinart, Texas’ Vince Young or Vanderbilt’s Jay Cutler. But the arrival of Brooks’ successor might come long before then.

San Diego Chargers free-agent quarterback Drew Brees said he would not re-sign with the Chargers and expected to find a new team shortly after the start of free agency. Numerous reports have New Orleans near the top of the list of Brees’ suitors.

Signing Brees would give the Saints a proven NFL starter, but one that is rehabilitating from off-season surgery on his throwing shoulder.

Attempts to reach Brees on his cell phone were unsuccessful Friday night, but earlier in the day he spoke with the Associated Press.

“We’ve already got things lined up, and we’ll be rocking and rolling the minute the clock strikes midnight (Eastern),� Brees said from Birmingham, Ala, where he is rehabbing his shoulder.

The Saints entered free agency $16.08 million under the new cap of $102 million that was adjusted with the extension of the labor agreement Thursday.

Brees is a five-year veteran who is 20-11 the last two seasons. Miami is also considered a strong suitor of the former Pro Bowler, who led the Chargers to their only playoff appearance in the last decade, in 2004.

Brees, who was the first player picked in the second round in the 2001 draft, tore the labrum and damaged the rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder while trying to recover a fumble San Diego’s season finale. He had surgery Jan. 5.

Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery, said he expects Brees to make a full recovery, though it’s unclear when he’ll be ready to play.

Staff writer Sheldon Mickles and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/2446917.html

papz

Thanks...

LongTimeFan

Good stuff, thanks for the post.

spkb25

man i am liking what i am hearing

BlackandBlue

agreed

gandhi1007

I have waited for this day for a long, long time. Mark another loser off the short bus!!!!!

D_it_up

We could sign Claude Raines or Harvey the Rabbit at QB, and I couldn't be happier. Brooks is gone. That's the main thing that matters. I have a supply of handkerchiefs for those crying about AB getting show the door. Now how many people will remember Claude Rains?