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REPLACING MORGAN: Don't expect the Saints to sign a big-name veteran linebacker now that Dan Morgan has retired. It's not like they lost a projected starter and are in panic mode. The Saints knew Morgan was a long shot when they signed him and considered him a bonus.

Some are throwing out names such as Takeo Spikes and Odell Thurman, and it's possible the Saints will consider them. But Payton said this week that the Saints would be more likely to add a young player for depth at the position.

They still have five veteran linebackers on the roster -- Scott Fujita, Jonathan Vilma, Scott Shanle, Mark Simoneau and Troy Evans, plus second-year pro Marvin Mitchell. And Vilma looked healthy during Wednesday's practice, perhaps the best news to come out of the day.

As for bringing in a veteran defensive end as insurance for Charles Grant, who's battling legal troubles, don't expect the Saints to do that right away, either. It might make sense to re-sign veteran Renaldo Wynn for added depth.

But they have time to see how Grant's legal issues develop, and if necessary, they could always find talent available in August and early September when other teams start whittling their rosters.

www.sportsshooter.com/johnjcoleman

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