New Orleans Saints free agency spotlight: Outside linebackers

papz · 03-09-2012, 11:17 AM

The New Orleans Saints' outside linebacker position remains very unsettled as we head toward the start of free agency on March 13. Strong-side starter Jo-Lonn Dunbar is an unrestricted free agent, while backups Jonathan Casillas and Ramon Humber are both restricted free agents.

Plus, it's possible that even more vacancies could be created if the Saints decide to cut ties with veterans Scott Shanle or Will Herring to clear some salary-cap space.

The only outside linebacker who should be considered a "lock" to be back on the Saints' roster in 2012 is second-year pro Martez Wilson, who showed some promising signs down the stretch of his rookie season.

Re-signing Dunbar will be a priority for the Saints, but the 26-year-old may not be that easy to keep. The 6-foot, 226-pounder had a breakout year in 2011, especially when he filled in for injured Jonathan Vilma as the starting middle linebacker. The "mike" middle linebacker position is the most natural for Dunbar, and it's possible he could be looking for a starting job in the middle somewhere else.

Casillas and Humber should be easier to keep as restricted free agents. However, the Saints will have to consider offering a higher tender to Casillas, which would come with second-round draft-pick compensation, to ward off other potential suitors.

Full article.
New Orleans Saints free agency spotlight: Outside linebackers - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

Let Vilma walk. Sign Grant to compete with Dunbar. Use the extra cap room to address other areas of need. I love Vilma but I think it's the most logical thing to do.

Wilson, Dunbar/Grant, Casillas/FA/draft pick

03-09-2012, 11:17 AM	#1
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,774	New Orleans Saints free agency spotlight: Outside linebackers The New Orleans Saints' outside linebacker position remains very unsettled as we head toward the start of free agency on March 13. Strong-side starter Jo-Lonn Dunbar is an unrestricted free agent, while backups Jonathan Casillas and Ramon Humber are both restricted free agents. Plus, it's possible that even more vacancies could be created if the Saints decide to cut ties with veterans Scott Shanle or Will Herring to clear some salary-cap space. The only outside linebacker who should be considered a "lock" to be back on the Saints' roster in 2012 is second-year pro Martez Wilson, who showed some promising signs down the stretch of his rookie season. Re-signing Dunbar will be a priority for the Saints, but the 26-year-old may not be that easy to keep. The 6-foot, 226-pounder had a breakout year in 2011, especially when he filled in for injured Jonathan Vilma as the starting middle linebacker. The "mike" middle linebacker position is the most natural for Dunbar, and it's possible he could be looking for a starting job in the middle somewhere else. Casillas and Humber should be easier to keep as restricted free agents. However, the Saints will have to consider offering a higher tender to Casillas, which would come with second-round draft-pick compensation, to ward off other potential suitors. Full article. New Orleans Saints free agency spotlight: Outside linebackers - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com Let Vilma walk. Sign Grant to compete with Dunbar. Use the extra cap room to address other areas of need. I love Vilma but I think it's the most logical thing to do. Wilson, Dunbar/Grant, Casillas/FA/draft pick Attached Thumbnails
	Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege. All little common sense goes a long way. Last edited by papz; 03-09-2012 at 11:21 AM..