Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk
 

Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk

By John DeShazier, The Times-Picayune


Given that almost every move the New Orleans Saints made last season turned into sterling silver - which, since that's what the Lombardi Trophy is made of, is even better than gold in the NFL - the inclination certainly is to give them the benefit of the doubt on linebacker Scott Fujita.
The Saints, who know more about Fujita than any team in the league, assigned a value to the unrestricted free agent. The Browns, courtesy of a reported three-year deal worth $14 million (with $8 million guaranteed), obviously leapt over it. The Saints wouldn't budge, Fujita got his financial security and while Fujita certainly can claim victory, it's difficult to say the Saints absorbed a heavy loss.

If, that is, the Saints have an effective backup plan.
And, again, the inclination after last season is to believe they do and that Fujita's departure won't be a debilitating blow.

As much as there is to like about Fujita - and there's plenty to love about a player who always can intelligently and appropriately address any situation - it's not like it'll be impossible for the Saints to replace his production. Last season he played in 11 regular-season games and posted 58 tackles, a sack and two forced fumbles. His best Saints season (96 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, two interceptions, six passes defensed and a forced fumble) was his first, in 2006.

So the Saints, obviously, were looking to upgrade the position. If they'd gotten Fujita to sign at their price, they still would've, or should've, been looking to improve at his outside linebacker spot.
Yes, they'll miss his leadership in the locker room. And, yes, the city will miss his activism in the community and his eagerness to serve as a spokesman. He was the first unrestricted free agent to buy into the Saints in 2006, when they returned home after relocating to San Antonio for a year due to Hurricane Katrina.

But even the Super Bowl champs can't get caught up in emotions and nostalgia. The Saints need new blood like every other team - perhaps, even more than any other team - in order to maintain their hunger. And the only way to bring in someone new is to part ways with someone old.
We all should wish Fujita well, of course. He was an anchor for the Saints, a vital and trusted member of the first Super Bowl-winning team in franchise history, a true professional in every sense of the word.
But regarding the decision to let him walk, the Saints obviously have earned the benefit of the doubt. After last season, when they seemed to do no wrong in terms of personnel, it's reasonable to wait and see if they still have the touch

Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk | - NOLA.com

Re: Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk
 

This coming from a man who picked the Colts...no thanks Johnny..

Re: Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk
 

I would have been fine either way with Fujita. If he had stayed, we know what to expect, provided he stays healthy. However, it has been no secret that the Saints needed to upgrade the outside linebacker positions. I'm curious to see what direction the Saints go with this situation. I wonder if there is a possibility that Bobby McCray could become a tweener and play a lot from Fujita's position since he normally plays that side anyway. He and Fujita are roughly the same size, but McCray has more speed. He could be that speed pass rusher at linebacker if the Saints go a different route at DE to replace Grant. Just a thought.

Re: Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk
 

Also, with that contract, we will be able to sign a pretty darn good replacement. That's a good sized amount of money to work with in FA.

Re: Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk
 

I highly doubt that. Playing DE and LB is two completely different things. If we would run a stricct 3-4 I could maybe see McCray as an OLB but now as we have a multiple front D he would be a good fit a lot less.

Re: Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk
 

Dear Mr. Benson:

I don't care who you part with, as long as you keep Reggie Bush. It's a no-brainer that you will hang on to Drew, so we won't even discuss that, but Reggie is part of the karma that won us a SB...believe me when I say that. I knew it the day that we drafted him. I said, "We are gonna win a SB with this guy." I don't know why...it's not like he has off the chart stats...it just a karma thing. Don't screw up....keep hiim.

Re: Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk
 

Fujita's numbers put him at #2 behind Vilma almost every week that he played 11of19. That #2 excludes the work that the DB's were bringing in every week. Vilma would lead (just about every week), the DB's always had a lions share, Fujita would come in somewhere in the middle of those guys, and then our poor D-line would bring up the rear with a few tackles here and there. Our DB's stayed beat up because of the poor performance of our core front, and the shear amount of banging they had to do each week. We need to improve up front and Fujita's dollars can go a long way in helping us do just that. Fujita was good for us. We missed his presence when he was hurt. He made his presence known when he wasn't hurt. He got his ring, now he can get the money. Like the writer, I am going to trust Greg Williams and the front office on this one. I am going to believe that they have a plan to improve the things we were trying to do up front: more speed to the ball, more strength, more quickness, more talent.

Re: Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk
 

Yeah Saint_LB Reggie is part of the teams character but so is Fujita hopefully his departure won't have too much of an impact on the team chemistry.

Re: Trust New Orleans Saints in the decision to let Scott Fujita walk
 

I agree with SaintPaul - this gives us some money topick up a good player.

I liked Fujita also BUT we ALL know he was not worth 14 illion over 3 years (8 million guaranteed????)

No wonder Clevland sucks so much if they are paying this type of money for subpar players. Even if they just want him in a leadership role thats a lot of bucks!!