stockman311

Another word on Sharper. I think the Saints made an incredibly wise choice in not franchising him. The fact that he hasn't visited any other teams, and no one has really even sniffed him tells you all you need to know. A 35 year old safety isn't worth $6MM next year and is not really even worth a 2 year deal at this point in his career. I think if he sees this eventually he will sign a 1 year deal in the $3MM range with us, but he had to go test the market to understand that he is better off taking it year by year with us in a system that has Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter protecting his backside than he is signing with an also ran and going back to a Cover 2 where his weaknesses are exposed.

One last thing on Sharper. I love the guy, but let's take a look at who he got is 9 picks on last year.

2 INT's against Matthew Stafford, making his first career NFL start
1 INT against Kevin Kolb, making his first career NFL start
2 INT's against Mark Sanchez, making his 4th career NFL start
1 INT against Matt Ryan, in his second NFL season
1 INT against Tom Brady, when the Patriots where in full pass come from behind mode
1 INT against Josh Freeman, making his 15th career NFL start.

With the exception of Ryan and Brady, who I classify as excellent competition, Sharper feasted on Rookies and Second year QB's and I would say was pedestrian at best against quality QB's in the playoffs. I would actually classify his play in the playoffs as poor. 10 solo tackles and 1 Pass Defensed total against Arizona, Minny, and Indy combined.

Like I said, I love the guy and believe he brings a lot to the Defense in leadership skills, but we need to improve at the position of FS next year IMHO.