Do we want to look at additional options at LB while they are still out there?

SmashMouth · 08-10-2011, 06:34 PM

Kirk Morrison, LB (Former team: Jacksonville): It looked like the Jaguars had every intention of hanging on to Morrison, who started every game for them in 2010 and made 89 tackles. Then, Jacksonville went out and signed Paul Posluszny instead. Morrison has started every game but one in his six-year NFL career and has averaged 120 tackles per season. Someone will take a shot on him soon.

Matt Roth, DE/LB (Former team: Cleveland): While Morrison may be the best inside linebacker available, Roth could hold the same title on the outside. And yet, the 28-year-old can’t find a home, despite coming off his best NFL season (86 tackles, 3.5 sacks). He reportedly just told teams he’d sign a one-year, $3-million contract, if anyone wants to offer.

Lofa Tatupu, LB (Former team: Seattle): Are you catching the pattern here? There are some linebacker options out there. Tatupu, 28, made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances after coming into the league in 2005. His production has fallen off since then, but he still started all 16 games last season and can be productive.

Some decent names out there still looking for work. What say you?

turbo_dog · 08-10-2011, 06:39 PM

I really thought that was the one area that needed an upgrade and didn't get it. Maybe Casillas can stay healthy and show that he is the guy.

papz · 08-10-2011, 06:41 PM

Doesn't hurt to look... though I am comfortable with our in house options. I don't think it's a big weakness as most people are making it out to be.

Danno · 08-10-2011, 06:55 PM

2010 OLB's - Clark, Shanle, Dunbar, Mitchell, Arnoux

2011 OLB's - Casillas, Herring, Wilson, Ingram, Shanle, Dunbar, Bussey

We upgraded, quite a bit.

SapperSaint · 08-10-2011, 06:59 PM

I agree with the others. I think we fine with what we have.

jcp026 · 08-10-2011, 07:03 PM

TATUPU!!! Tatupu Vilma Casillas = OUTSTANDING!

Danno · 08-10-2011, 07:07 PM

Tatupa plays MLB, and with 4.84 speed I doubt he plays OLB.

No thanks, unless we lose Vilma.

Rugby Saint II · 08-10-2011, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Danno

2010 OLB's - Clark, Shanle, Dunbar, Mitchell, Arnoux

2011 OLB's - Casillas, Herring, Wilson, Ingram, Shanle, Dunbar, Bussey

We upgraded, quite a bit.

Yeah, but was it enough to pass on these guys?

Danno · 08-10-2011, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II

Yeah, but was it enough to pass on these guys?

Good question.

I do think that bringing someone like that in will cost us quite a lot. I could see Roth, he'd be a decent addition, but I'd be hugely disappointed if we brought in Tatupa.

FinSaint · 08-10-2011, 08:21 PM

Did Morrison play under GW in Jacksonville?

I'd be concerned with Tatupu's knees holding up after the surgeries and what is has done to his mobility.

I think the Saints already have the guys needed to field a solid LB corps 'cos they most likely won't have to be the superstars on that D.

08-10-2011, 06:34 PM	#1
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 38,044 Blog Entries: 29	Do we want to look at additional options at LB while they are still out there? Kirk Morrison, LB (Former team: Jacksonville): It looked like the Jaguars had every intention of hanging on to Morrison, who started every game for them in 2010 and made 89 tackles. Then, Jacksonville went out and signed Paul Posluszny instead. Morrison has started every game but one in his six-year NFL career and has averaged 120 tackles per season. Someone will take a shot on him soon. Matt Roth, DE/LB (Former team: Cleveland): While Morrison may be the best inside linebacker available, Roth could hold the same title on the outside. And yet, the 28-year-old can’t find a home, despite coming off his best NFL season (86 tackles, 3.5 sacks). He reportedly just told teams he’d sign a one-year, $3-million contract, if anyone wants to offer. Lofa Tatupu, LB (Former team: Seattle): Are you catching the pattern here? There are some linebacker options out there. Tatupu, 28, made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances after coming into the league in 2005. His production has fallen off since then, but he still started all 16 games last season and can be productive. Some decent names out there still looking for work. What say you?

08-10-2011, 07:03 PM	#6
jcp026 500th Post Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 951	TATUPU!!! Tatupu Vilma Casillas = OUTSTANDING!
jcp026 500th Post Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 951

08-10-2011, 07:19 PM	#8
Rugby Saint II Bounty Money $$$ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5800 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA. Posts: 24,043	Originally Posted by Danno 2010 OLB's - Clark, Shanle, Dunbar, Mitchell, Arnoux 2011 OLB's - Casillas, Herring, Wilson, Ingram, Shanle, Dunbar, Bussey We upgraded, quite a bit. Yeah, but was it enough to pass on these guys?

08-10-2011, 07:21 PM	#9
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,713	Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II Yeah, but was it enough to pass on these guys? Good question. I do think that bringing someone like that in will cost us quite a lot. I could see Roth, he'd be a decent addition, but I'd be hugely disappointed if we brought in Tatupa.

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08-10-2011, 06:39 PM	#2
turbo_dog 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,576	I really thought that was the one area that needed an upgrade and didn't get it. Maybe Casillas can stay healthy and show that he is the guy.

08-10-2011, 06:41 PM	#3
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,737	Doesn't hurt to look... though I am comfortable with our in house options. I don't think it's a big weakness as most people are making it out to be.

08-10-2011, 06:55 PM	#4
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,713	2010 OLB's - Clark, Shanle, Dunbar, Mitchell, Arnoux 2011 OLB's - Casillas, Herring, Wilson, Ingram, Shanle, Dunbar, Bussey We upgraded, quite a bit.

08-10-2011, 06:59 PM	#5
SapperSaint Pink Nightmare Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 3,028 Blog Entries: 7	I agree with the others. I think we fine with what we have.

08-10-2011, 07:07 PM	#7
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,713	Tatupa plays MLB, and with 4.84 speed I doubt he plays OLB. No thanks, unless we lose Vilma.

08-10-2011, 08:21 PM	#10
FinSaint Site Donor 2015 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Finland... formerly Southern Virginia Posts: 4,961	Did Morrison play under GW in Jacksonville? I'd be concerned with Tatupu's knees holding up after the surgeries and what is has done to his mobility. I think the Saints already have the guys needed to field a solid LB corps 'cos they most likely won't have to be the superstars on that D.