Saints sign free Agent DT

saint5221 · 07-25-2003, 02:08 PM

http://espn.go.com/nfl/columns/pasqu...n/1585537.html

Friday, July 25
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Ford will sign two-year deal
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By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Demonstrating once again that you can never have enough experienced defensive linemen, the New Orleans Saints on Friday added unrestricted free-agent tackle Henry Ford to further deepen their upfront inventory, ESPN.com has confirmed.

One of the few quality defensive linemen still remaining in a pick-over free agent pool, Ford will sign a two-year contract, and should strengthen the Saints' line rotation. It was, in fact, a bit curious that Ford, a nine-year veteran, had remained unemployed until now.

General manager Mickey Loomis emphasized to ESPN.com that the acquisition of Ford does not reflect dissatisfaction with veteran Grady Jackson, who made himself scarce at the club's offseason conditioning program, and reported overweight to mini-camp.

"One has nothing to do with the other," Loomis said. "(Ford) is just a really good football player and you can never have enough of those big guys around."

There have been rumors of late that Jackson is considering retirement. His representatives have denied that is the case.

Ford will join a defensive tackle contingent that includes Jackson, Kenny Smith, Martin Chase and first-round draft choice Jonathan Sullivan, among others. Sullivan, the sixth overall player selected in April, remains unsigned.

The Saints did reach contract agreement with their second-round pick, offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb, on Friday morning. The former University of Georgia star will sign a four-year contract that includes a signing bonus of $1.845 million and standard league minimum base salaries.

The addition of Ford, who can also move out and play end in some situations, provides the Saints much flexibility. It also gives the team some insurance in the event Jackson does not report to camp or Sullivan remains unsigned for a prolonged period.

Ford, 31, was a first-round choice of the then-Houston Oilers in 1994, and spent his entire previous career with the Houston/Tennessee franchise.

He had spoken with the Titans about the possibility of returning and also had discussions with the Dallas Cowboys.

07-25-2003, 02:08 PM	#1
saint5221 500th Post Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 598	Saints sign free Agent DT http://espn.go.com/nfl/columns/pasqu...n/1585537.html Friday, July 25 ÃƒÆ’Ã‚â€šÃƒâ€šÃ‚Â* Ford will sign two-year deal ------------------------------------------------------------------------ By Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com Demonstrating once again that you can never have enough experienced defensive linemen, the New Orleans Saints on Friday added unrestricted free-agent tackle Henry Ford to further deepen their upfront inventory, ESPN.com has confirmed. One of the few quality defensive linemen still remaining in a pick-over free agent pool, Ford will sign a two-year contract, and should strengthen the Saints' line rotation. It was, in fact, a bit curious that Ford, a nine-year veteran, had remained unemployed until now. General manager Mickey Loomis emphasized to ESPN.com that the acquisition of Ford does not reflect dissatisfaction with veteran Grady Jackson, who made himself scarce at the club's offseason conditioning program, and reported overweight to mini-camp. "One has nothing to do with the other," Loomis said. "(Ford) is just a really good football player and you can never have enough of those big guys around." There have been rumors of late that Jackson is considering retirement. His representatives have denied that is the case. Ford will join a defensive tackle contingent that includes Jackson, Kenny Smith, Martin Chase and first-round draft choice Jonathan Sullivan, among others. Sullivan, the sixth overall player selected in April, remains unsigned. The Saints did reach contract agreement with their second-round pick, offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb, on Friday morning. The former University of Georgia star will sign a four-year contract that includes a signing bonus of $1.845 million and standard league minimum base salaries. The addition of Ford, who can also move out and play end in some situations, provides the Saints much flexibility. It also gives the team some insurance in the event Jackson does not report to camp or Sullivan remains unsigned for a prolonged period. Ford, 31, was a first-round choice of the then-Houston Oilers in 1994, and spent his entire previous career with the Houston/Tennessee franchise. He had spoken with the Titans about the possibility of returning and also had discussions with the Dallas Cowboys.
saint5221 500th Post Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 598