Fans in New Orleans might want to listen up. Same for fans in Atlanta and Tampa Bay that have their eye on this guy in free agency.

In this Sirius NFL Radio interview with Jim Miller and Rich Gannon, Carl Nicks sounded like a man ready to explore free agency. The New Orleans guard said he hasn’t had any contract talks with the Saints.

“I haven’t talked to (general manager) Mickey (Loomis) at all,’’ said Nicks, who can become an unrestricted free agent on March 13.

Nicks wasn’t asked if his agent was in contact with the Saints. Nicks said he expects the Saints to first sign quarterback Drew Brees to a new deal. The Saints could put a franchise tag on Nicks for $9.4 million.

“I’ve heard a lot of rumors of the franchise tag, which is a lot of money,’’ Nicks said. “If you want to pay me, which I’m not a big fan of, what the franchise tag for an offensive lineman is worth, we might as well work on a deal.’’

Nicks isn’t the only member of the Saints that has a chance to be designated as a franchise player. If the tag isn’t used on Nicks or Brees, it could be used on wide receiver Marques Colston.

Nicks also may have been sending a bit of a message to the front office when asked how he would feel if he is hit with the franchise tag.

“Yes, I’d be upset if I got franchise tagged, straight up and down,’’ Nicks said.

Carl Nicks doesn't want franchise tag - NFC South Blog - ESPN

I totally get his point, but I'm hard-pressed to imagine getting pissed at 9 million dollars give or take.

9 million in the bank equates to something in the neighborhood of a quarter million in interest, so you bank that cash and live well for the rest of your life.

No, if I'm a player I don't want that tag either, because hell, more is better, but the tag in Nicks' case isn't a bad deal.

Well, it's just pissing me off, because I think the frikkin front office has gone on frikkin vacation. Now you have guys with bad attitudes. What the hell are they doing down there?! Do they know it's only three weeks until free agency? Dammit FO, get off your rear end and get to frikkin work!

End of Rant!

You're assuming they aren't working on it?

My guess is they are.

You are correct Danno, it is an assumption based upon what I see coming out of New Orleans...which is squat. Have you seen any news on any of our FA signing a contract? I haven't. Nicks even said in the article that he hasn't even had any contact with Loomis. Maybe thats code talk for "I'm letting my agent do all of my talking", but I'm like Rugby Saint, I'm starting to get worried.
I'm not a "No news is good news" kind of guy. Can't you tell? LOL

I appreciate his candor. I can understand where he is coming from. I mean he is losing half of 9.4 to taxes right off the bat. So his agent makes money, what does he end up with? About 4 million for that year, and if he goes down with a career ending injury? He's young, that's not a lot of money to sustain yourself on, especially because they live a different lifestyle than most of us.

That said, it is the rules, so we are well within our rights. I hope we sign him for another 5 years. I'd be happy.