Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

This isn't about talent, it's about money. Williams may get 1000 yards and 10 td's for the Saints but the Saints would spend big money to get him AND lose a pick in the draft. That pick, that money, needs to be spent on defense.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Ok. I also understand the defense strategy here, but, as someone else stated, we have a major FA issue with Smith, and some of our offensive linemen, which should be addressed first. Smith, to me, is worth way more than Mr. Moneybags on the other side.

Another thing. I love Duece, but his durability has got to be somewhat of a question mark at this point, and its glaringly obvious, that Bush can't take up that slack. So RB, also needs to be addressed at some point.

If I remember correctly, in the first four games of the season, which we lost, I don't recall seeing this "high powered offense", you guys keep talking about. We lost four in a row, as I remember, and the offense looked attrocious. Oh yeah, and Duece played the entire month of September, so no excuses there.

We need a DT, WR, RB?, LB, and CB's. Please get us some frickin DB's please!

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

I am not a guy that thinks the saints only need help on defense. I just think that trading our second rounder for a WR who is going to command another 60 million dollar contract is a bit much. I am all about trading picks here and there for veterans. I am all about trading a pick for Vilma. I will not have a problem if the saints draft a RB, WR, and QB in the draft. I just think the high picks, the keys in free agency and the offseason in general has to be a "defense first" philosophy.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Boba - Any opinions on Vilma's knee surgery and the speculation that he actually had micro fracture surgery vs. 'just removing bone chips'?

I've read that he was on the sidelines without crutches shortly after the procedure, so I'd guess it was only speculation...

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Vilma, citing the strict team policy that forbids players from talking about injuries, declined to be specific about exactly what kind of surgery he had.

Among the various reports that have been floated about included one that he was having micro-fracture surgery, which is quite serious, but a person with knowledge of the situation said yesterday the surgery was not micro-fracture.

Vilma said the surgery was a success, adding, “The best thing right now is I have time on my side to get back for the 2008 season."

Asked if there's a possibility that he might have to undergo further surgery, Vilma said, “They (the doctors) didn't talk about having to do further surgery. If it all goes right this should be one and done."

VILMA: I EXPECT TO BE A JET NEXT YEAR


Here is a good article on his explanation of the injury and him playing in a 3-4 scheme.

Vilma Clears Up Some Injury Issues

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Boba!
good to see ur still around.

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Thanks Biloxi-Indian... I appreciate the links...

Of course, any potential trades would be based on him passing a team physical anway... I'd agree that this is definitely an option worth investigating...

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

If the Saints were interested, it would almost be definite that Dr. Andrews in Birmingham would put his stamp of approval before any trade is made.

For me, I would like for the Saints to chase Briggs in FA and draft Rivers at #10. That would be Fujita, Rivers, and Briggs as starters with Shanle, Mitchell, and Evans as backups!

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

what, no 53 in that number?

Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Unfortunately, not! Thank you for the two years, but don't let the door knob hit you where it hurts on the way out.