New Orleans Saints Free Agent Signing Frenzy: The Starting Point
 

After a lengthy delay in any NFL operations having been performed out of the Saints’ training facility in Metairie, Louisiana, New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis will soon become an extremely busy working man once NFL owners and players finally agree to terms on a new CBA (collective bargaining agreement) over the course of the next few days (presumably).

The new CBA is expected to specify that players with 4 or more years of experience will be unrestricted free agents (meaning they can sign with any team). The New Orleans Saints will have 26 players who fall into that category, including some key players who were former starters for the team.

Full article below.
New Orleans Saints Free Agent News

You got dat right!

Starting points, obviously URFA...

1. Harper
2. Bushrod
3. Goodwin
4. Moore
5. D. Thomas
6. Ayodele
7. Hargrove
8. U. Young
9. M. Mitchell
10. Shanle
11. Strief
12. H. Evans
13. Charleston

Good points......but can we take Young off that list? I just don't see him back in the black and gold. He gets lost too often.

U gets lost as a corner, but not as a safety. The dude is a weight room maniac and has bulked up even more for this season to the point where I'm willing to bet he can take on the role of strong safety almost like a speedier and more immediately in your face linebacker type this year in spot duty too. Plus his skills on special teams coverage units is invaluable.

I have to completely disagree with you Rugby Saint II...

I agree; U. Young is a beast on special teams!

He is good on special teams.....I'll give him that. I had high hopes for him when he came here and I've been less impressed each year. I wish he would develop a little faster then and I could feel good about him on the field.
To date I can only remember one play where he really stood out. I don't want to give a contract to somebody who hasn't even been able to take a spot on the field. jmho:)

By position/Need:

1. Carl Nicks, OG

2. Doug Free, OT (DAL)
2a. Jermon Bushrod, OT
2b. Zach Strief, OT

3. Quintin Mikell, S (PHI)
3a. Eric Weddle, S (SD)
3b. Darren Sharper, S
3c. Pierson Prioleau, S

4. James Anderson, LB (CAR)
4a. Scott Shanle, LB
4b. Rocky McIntosh (WAS)

5. Charles Johnson, DL (CAR)
5a. Marcus Spears, DL (DAL)
5b. Remi Ayodele, DL

6. David Thomas, TE

7. Brian Leonard, FB (CIN)
7a. Korey Hall, FB (GB)

8. Lance Moore, WR
8a. Sidney Rice, WR (MIN)
8b. Kevin Curtis, WR (MIA)

9. Jonathan Goodwin, OC
9a. Olin Kreutz, OC (CHI)

10. Alex Smith, QB (SF)
10a. Matt Leinart, QB (HOU)

This is not necessarily the ranking of the player, but the need to address...

Any free agent list of ours needs to start with Lance Moore in my opinion. This guy is a key to our offense, he just makes everything run so much smoother. Then gotta address the offensive line, and finally Roman Harper. I'm a little torn on Roman after how he ended last year, but given the fact that we have nobody behind him at SS, I guess we have to try and make a deal with him (unless we go outside for a SS).

And I agree, Usama Young needs to go. He's terrible in coverage... unless he wants to take league minimum to play special teams and provide 3rd string coverage for safety.

I agree that Lance Moore has value; but when prioritizing, he falls back because of depth at the WR position and need at other positions...

Saints really need to push FA for a SS and replace Harper; he has limited range as a DB - i.e. he can't cover, only blitz...