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Neither Shaun Rogers or Aubrayo Franklin are expected back with the team for the 2012 season.

That leaves the Saints with Sedrick Ellis, Tom Johnson, Mitch King, Swanson Miller, and the recently signed Brodrick Bunkley currently on the roster.

Bunkley, considered among the best 4-3 run stuffing defensive tackles in the league, is a dramatic upgrade over either Rogers or Franklin.

From there however things begin to drop off after Sedrick Ellis in terms of actual starting experience in the NFL.

Tom Johnson was signed by the Saints last year out of the CFL.

He came on strong in the preseason before a calf injury, appearing in 13 games with 15 tackles, 1 sack, and a forced fumble for the team in 2011.

Swanson Miller and Mitch King are mere journey men, who may not even make the final roster.

Ayodele could fit into the Saints rotation and in heavy formations to stuff the run. He’s familiar with the team, although not the new defense Steve Spagnuolo will install.

You can’t discount the fact either that starter Sedrick Ellis enjoyed his best season as pro in 2010 when he recorded 30 tackles and 6 sacks along side Ayodele.

Ayodele spent three season with the Saints, making 90 tackles and six sacks


Remi Ayodele could land back with defensive tackle thin New Orleans Saints

burningmetal

I was thinking about this earlier when I noticed his name on the list of available free agents. I think it'd be great to have him back not only for quality depth, but in the event of an injury, can be a legitimate starter.

My only concern, given the fact he played under Gregg Williams, is whether or not he is on this still anonymous list of players who could be suspended. Can't think of any time he ever made a hit that was brought into question, though.

WhoDat!656

He was half of the infamous, (to viqueens fans) Hi-Lo hit on Favre.

See 2:14 mark on video.

New Orleans Saints put Brett Favre's Pants on the Ground (featuring American Idol's Larry Platt) - YouTube

burningmetal

lol, wow, I don't even remotely remember Ayodele having been in on that hit. Shows how much Vagikings fans like to blow things out of proportion.

Ayodele peels off severely and ends up barely touching him.

dizzle88

What's the point in signing him if he was going to be suspended, that's the reason the vikes let him go

WhoDat!656

Unless some idiot with the Saints wrote down which players were paid X $$ for X tackle/hits, the league will have a hard time suspending players.

saintsfan1976

Not sure about "quality" depth. But i am intrigued as to how he would play under Spags and not the all-out-blitz mentality of GW.

His looming suspension may be the reason the Saints (and others) are waiting to move on his contract.

burningmetal

Yeah I have to agree. Aside from Vilma and maybe Harper, it's just a bunch of hearsay. I still think Vilma will be suspended the entire, but can't imagine more than a game or two for anyone else.

saintsfan1976

This has been my complaint since day one of this deal. Now I've heard that there was an email chain about it. Can you tell me if that's true? What are the details? Who was involved??

burningmetal

He was the most productive run stuffer we had those couple years, and to put a guy like that in a reserve role is in fact quality depth.

He does not have a looming suspension, just a mere possibility of one.