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Here's today's Q&A:

Q: After reading your 10-step program, I have a question for the mailbag. Could you please talk about Shockey's blocking ability compared to Thomas and/or Graham. I haven't paid particular attention to it, but it could be a reason to keep Shockey around. Catches and yards aren't everything for a tight end, especially for a team that needs to improve the running game. Andrew, Uptown.

A: Shockey is a solid blocker but certainly nothing special. I certainly wouldn't characterize blocking as one of his strengths. In fact, from the tape I have watched, Thomas is a much better and more willing blocker and, along with reserve tackle Zach Strief, is usually the tight end called upon when the team needs a blocking assignment at the position. Regardless, Shockey is not being paid $4.5 million to block. That's elite tight end money and at this stage of his career Shockey is no longer an elite tight end. If the Saints really need a blocking tight end, they can find one in the draft or free agency for a fraction of the salary they are paying Shockey. Jimmy Graham is clearly a budding star at the position. With a full offseason of development, he should win the starting job next season. If David Thomas is re-signed -- and I think he will be - then Shockey is expendable although I do think he could be a candidate to return at a restructured deal.

Q: I've got a question regarding the fact that nearly half of the Saints' players are re- or unresetricted free agents this offseason. Why did this all creep up all at once? Why do the contracts of the core of our roster all expire at nearly the same time? I know we've paid standouts like Jahri Evans and others in recent years, but I wonder if the huge buildup of expiring contracts this offseason was intentionally planned, or just coincidence. Amrit Naresh, Berlin, Germany.

A: The Saints knew this situation eventually would come to a head this offseason. A lot of teams are in the same boat. The uncapped 2010 season restricted four-to-six-year veteran players under the terms of the contingency plan the league and players agreed to. Those are prime seasons for NFL players. It's the prime time for most guys to hit free agency and cash in. The Saints had an unusually high number of veterans with four, five and six accrued seasons of experience. They took advantage of the free agency situation a year ago but probably won't be as fortunate this offseason and will likely lose a core player or two to the open market. It was inevitable. Understandably, teams were hesitant to sign players to long-term deals during the uncapped year because of the uncertainty of the labor situation.

Full article below.
What's the longterm future of Jeremy Shockey with the New Orleans Saints? Mailbag | NOLA.com

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.