NEXTPROBOWLER

Jan. 4, 2008


Saints DE Charles Grant regressed in 2007, just after New Orleans had signed him to a monstrous seven-year deal that is worth up to $63 million, with almost a third of it guaranteed. Grant, who was hindered by a nagging ankle injury, had just 2½ sacks — which tied his career low — after recording six last season and also had 10 fewer tackles than the year before. His decline comes as his counterpart, DE Will Smith, nears the end of his contract, which expires after the 2008 season. Smith’s production shrunk slightly in ’07 as well, but he still outperformed Grant while snagging seven sacks. We hear the Saints’ front office planned on offering Smith an extension similar to Grant’s, but that would be an insult at this point, considering how much better Smith has played. New Orleans GM Mickey Loomis is going to have to offer Smith a huge sum if he’s interested in keeping Smith in the Crescent City.