New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency

Attached Thumbnails · 03-01-2010, 09:51 PM

I just checked in with New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita about the prospects of becoming a free agent after a great four-year run in New Orleans. Obviously, Fujita has made no secret that he would like to stay here, and he and his wife Jaclyn and their twin daughters consider New Orleans their home.

But he said he also understands that "free agency can be a strange and unpredictable business."

"I envisioned myself finishing my career in New Orleans four or five years down the road, but there are some things I don't have much control over," said Fujita, who turns 31 next month. "But I feel really good about the position I'm in either way. We'll see how this plays out."

My perception is that the Saints would like to have Fujita back, especially since their hands are tied by the new rules of free agency this year, which don't allow them to sign any unrestricted free agents unless they lose one to another team first (and then can only sign a UFA in the same salary range).
Fujita is a well-respected locker room leader who plays an important role on and off the field. The Saints need to get younger and more dynamic at both outside linebacker spots and at defensive end, so they'll look to find those qualities in the draft. But I'd expect there's still a place for Fujita in the Saints' plans.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency | - NOLA.com

Rugby Saint II · 03-01-2010, 10:34 PM

Fujita may not be great but he's at least adequate. We need to focus on the D line right now.imo

D_it_up · 03-02-2010, 12:03 AM

Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II

Fujita may not be great but he's at least adequate. We need to focus on the D line right now.imo

Agreed. D-tackle and D-end are high on the list of needs. Still curious to see what some of the younger guys can do at LB like Casillas, Arnoux, and Dunbar, but I wouldn't mind seeing some more competition coming in for Shanle and Fujita.

the-commish · 03-02-2010, 01:42 PM

I say bring Fujita back. He has played well for the Saints. He made the critical play in the Divisional Playoff game against the Eagles after the '06 season; holding the Eagles to a field goal, when they could have (and maybe should have) scored a TD. He wants to stay, and could teach any young OLBs drafted by the Saints this year the ropes.

st thomas · 03-02-2010, 02:29 PM

fujita has been solid for the black and gold. but like someone mentioned before we need youth with more speed and strenth to beef up the de.

BIGEASY504 · 03-03-2010, 12:29 AM

Fujita is a heady/smart and consistent player, although we can use an upgrade Fujita will be around

SaintPauly · 03-03-2010, 01:27 AM

Originally Posted by st thomas

fujita has been solid for the black and gold. but like someone mentioned before we need youth with more speed and strenth to beef up the de.

I certainly hope the rest of the working world, doesn't start following the NFL for it's employment practices, because if they do, then I guess anyone 30 or over, will be unemployed.

Ray Lewis is what, 35? Older? He still brings it every Sunday. I'm going to change an old saying a little bit and say this, "It's not the age of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight left in the dog."

breesfan27 · 03-03-2010, 03:47 AM

I loved Fujita's attitude and spunk in the SB. I hope he can bring that back with him next season.

Saint_LB · 03-03-2010, 04:23 AM

Just one suggestion...bone-up on your trash-talking during the offseason, SF. Telling Peyton Manning that you can lick Oreos better than him probably didn't put the fear of God in him or anything like that...

breesfan27 · 03-03-2010, 04:37 AM

Originally Posted by Saint_LB

Just one suggestion...bone-up on your trash-talking during the offseason, SF. Telling Peyton Manning that you can lick Oreos better than him probably didn't put the fear of God in him or anything like that...

Hee hee! I agree, it was a little on the pre-school side of trash talk. Maybe he can take smack talk lessons from Keith Brooking in the off season!

03-01-2010, 09:51 PM	#1
Threaded by QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,985 Rating: (0 votes - average) I just checked in with New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita about the prospects of becoming a free agent after a great four-year run in New Orleans. Obviously, Fujita has made no secret that he would like to stay here, and he and his wife Jaclyn and their twin daughters consider New Orleans their home. But he said he also understands that "free agency can be a strange and unpredictable business." "I envisioned myself finishing my career in New Orleans four or five years down the road, but there are some things I don't have much control over," said Fujita, who turns 31 next month. "But I feel really good about the position I'm in either way. We'll see how this plays out." My perception is that the Saints would like to have Fujita back, especially since their hands are tied by the new rules of free agency this year, which don't allow them to sign any unrestricted free agents unless they lose one to another team first (and then can only sign a UFA in the same salary range). Fujita is a well-respected locker room leader who plays an important role on and off the field. The Saints need to get younger and more dynamic at both outside linebacker spots and at defensive end, so they'll look to find those qualities in the draft. But I'd expect there's still a place for Fujita in the Saints' plans. New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency \| - NOLA.com Attached Thumbnails Last edited by QBREES9; 03-03-2010 at 12:59 AM..
Views: 3432

03-01-2010, 10:34 PM	#2
Rugby Saint II Bounty Money $$$ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5800 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA. Posts: 24,073	Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency Fujita may not be great but he's at least adequate. We need to focus on the D line right now.imo

03-02-2010, 12:03 AM	#3
D_it_up Faqda Falcons Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ruston, Louisiana Posts: 3,465 Blog Entries: 3	Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II Fujita may not be great but he's at least adequate. We need to focus on the D line right now.imo Agreed. D-tackle and D-end are high on the list of needs. Still curious to see what some of the younger guys can do at LB like Casillas, Arnoux, and Dunbar, but I wouldn't mind seeing some more competition coming in for Shanle and Fujita.

03-02-2010, 01:42 PM	#4
the-commish Longtime WhoDat Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 529	Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency I say bring Fujita back. He has played well for the Saints. He made the critical play in the Divisional Playoff game against the Eagles after the '06 season; holding the Eagles to a field goal, when they could have (and maybe should have) scored a TD. He wants to stay, and could teach any young OLBs drafted by the Saints this year the ropes.

03-02-2010, 02:29 PM	#5
st thomas Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: lafayette Posts: 7,753	Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency fujita has been solid for the black and gold. but like someone mentioned before we need youth with more speed and strenth to beef up the de.

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03-03-2010, 12:29 AM	#6
BIGEASY504 100th Post Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 487	Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency Fujita is a heady/smart and consistent player, although we can use an upgrade Fujita will be around
BIGEASY504 100th Post Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 487

03-03-2010, 01:27 AM	#7
SaintPauly Senior Citizen Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 3,180 Blog Entries: 1	Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency Originally Posted by st thomas fujita has been solid for the black and gold. but like someone mentioned before we need youth with more speed and strenth to beef up the de. I certainly hope the rest of the working world, doesn't start following the NFL for it's employment practices, because if they do, then I guess anyone 30 or over, will be unemployed. Ray Lewis is what, 35? Older? He still brings it every Sunday. I'm going to change an old saying a little bit and say this, "It's not the age of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight left in the dog."

03-03-2010, 03:47 AM	#8
breesfan27 Mrs. Drew Brees Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The Who Dat Nation (by way of South Dakota) Posts: 2,276 Blog Entries: 1	Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency I loved Fujita's attitude and spunk in the SB. I hope he can bring that back with him next season.

03-03-2010, 04:23 AM	#9
Saint_LB Deuce Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 2,894	Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency Just one suggestion...bone-up on your trash-talking during the offseason, SF. Telling Peyton Manning that you can lick Oreos better than him probably didn't put the fear of God in him or anything like that...
Saint_LB Deuce Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 2,894

03-03-2010, 04:37 AM	#10
breesfan27 Mrs. Drew Brees Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The Who Dat Nation (by way of South Dakota) Posts: 2,276 Blog Entries: 1	Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita wants to stay but understands the business of free agency Originally Posted by Saint_LB Just one suggestion...bone-up on your trash-talking during the offseason, SF. Telling Peyton Manning that you can lick Oreos better than him probably didn't put the fear of God in him or anything like that... Hee hee! I agree, it was a little on the pre-school side of trash talk. Maybe he can take smack talk lessons from Keith Brooking in the off season!