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

QBREES9 · 03-08-2010, 08:05 PM

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

03-08-2010, 08:05 PM	#1
QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,989	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 Attached Thumbnails
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