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The New Orleans Saints made great strides in their power rushing attack in 2009, and now they've taken big steps toward keeping it together in 2010

The Saints made qualifying offers to restricted free agent guard Jahri Evans and restricted free agent tailback Mike Bell on Monday, league sources confirmed.
Evans, a first-team All-Pro this past season, was offered a one-year deal worth $3.168 million, which was a mandatory 10 percent raise over his 2009 salary. That puts him at the highest possible compensation level, which means the Saints have the right to match any offer he might sign with another team in free agency, or they would receive both first- and third-round draft picks if they let him sign with another team.
Evans also was tendered at the first- and third-round level as a restricted free agent in 2009.
Clearly, the Saints aren't planning to let Evans get away. They have slowly but surely been working on a long-term extension with the 26-year-old, who has started every game since being drafted in the fourth round out of Bloomsburg in 2006. But no deal is imminent, with no real time pressure to get things done.
The Saints tendered Bell, also 26, at the lowest compensation level with a one-year, $1.176 million deal. That means they have the right to match any offer he might sign with another team, but they would receive no draft-pick compensation if he does sign elsewhere.
Bell joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2006. He signed with the Saints as a free agent during the 2008 season and became a big part of their tailback rotation in 2009, rushing for 654 yards and five touchdowns.
Bell appeared to wear down a bit late in the season, though, losing some carries to second-year pro Lynell Hamilton, which should make for a compelling training camp battle. But the qualifying offer confirms what Coach Sean Payton said last week, that the Saints are happy with their current stable of tailbacks, which also includes Reggie Bush and restricted free agent Pierre Thomas.
The Saints have now made qualifying offers to 15 of their 18 restricted free agents, and they might be done. The other three RFAs are role players - defensive end Jeff Charleston, cornerback Leigh Torrence and fullback Kyle Eckel.
It's still possible the Saints could try to work out deals with them for lower rates, but they will be free to sign with any other team as of Friday if they aren't tendered qualifying offers.

New Orleans Saints make qualifying offers to restricted free agents Jahri Evans and Mike Bell | - NOLA.com

Rugby Saint II

I don't want to lose Evans. He is such a vital part of our offense.

CantonLegend

even tho we are required to offer players a certain amount......do they have to sign that much or can they request a lower salary? i know it would probably never happen but is it required by the league that the player makes that much or is it just required that the team offers them that much?

Choupique

Required by the league is my guess.

I can't imagine owners being generous for the heck of it.

breesfan27

I want Evans to stay. I want the entire Award winning O-Line to stay!

homerj07

I would rather have Evans than Bell.

CAPTAIN

Bell has got to go, Hamilton is bigger and better in the goal line and short yardage situations.

Cut him loose and file Hamilton into his slot rotation behind Pierre and Reggie.

CantonLegend

hmmmm PJ Hill is better than hamilton and bell i thinks

lynwood

I didn't see much of p.j. hill to form an opinion but I like Bell. I think all our RB's are great in their role and can step in at anytime to take the lead, although PT has better balance than the rest.