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"From my understanding, they think they can't afford me, and they didn't want to throw out a number that was disrespectful, I guess," Nicks said of the Saints, who have talked briefly with his agent Ben Dogra but not to Nicks directly this offseason. "In a lot of regards I can understand that. It makes sense, But I also feel like any kind of offer is better than no kind of offer. I think it's more disrespectful to not even offer me. At least try."
The Saints have not offered any insight into their plans for Nicks, but they obviously can't afford to overspend for any of their free agents this offseason. They were $6.55 million under the salary cap last week, according to a league source, with several key free agents still unsigned.
Likely, they will be interested in bringing Nicks back only if he comes at a price tag they think makes sense both in the short term and long term. That means if a bidding war ensues on the open market, they'll be out. But if he doesn't get the kind of offers he's hoping for early, the Saints could enter the bidding.
Nicks, however, has made it clear that he wanted to hear from the Saints sooner.
"I know I've said I want to be paid a certan amount, but at the end of the day I said I want to be back with the Saints, and I'm waiting on any kind of offer," Nicks said. "My goal is to get more than ($8.5 million per year). I feel like I deserve that. But I never told them, 'If you guys are in the ball park, I wouldn't consider it.' I play with Drew Brees. We always have a chance to win. That counts for a lot."
Nicks said his close relationship with teammates like guard Jahri Evans and offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod also counts for a lot. Nicks said he has been hanging out with them in recent days while spending time in New Orleans - in part to let the Saints know he's in town and ready to visit with them.
"Jahri and Jermon have been trying to push me to stay, telling me to go talk to them, pretty much saying anything," Nicks said. "That means a lot. I really love those guys. It's difficult right now."

New Orleans Saints guard Carl Nicks says he hopes to stay but doesn't expect it - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

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