WhoDat!656

'B' is a helluva average grade; and I always thought C was average!!

Key additions: QB Drew Brees (franchised), DT Brodrick Bunkley, WR Marques Colston (re-sign), LB Curtis Lofton, G Ben Grubbs

Key losses: G Carl Nicks, CB Tracy Porter, WR Robert Meachem

Analysis: What an offseason for the Saints. Despite the scandal and controversy, New Orleans was able to add and retain quality players for its roster. However, it lost a ton of talent as well. The loss of Nicks is significant, as he very well could be the best guard in football, although Grubbs is a strong consolation prize. He was often the best O-lineman on the field for the Ravens last season. The Saints and Colston probably realized that Colston being in New Orleans was the best move for both player and team. The Saints made an excellent signing by adding Bunkley, one of the better run-stopping 4-3 defensive tackles in the NFL. Along those lines, adding Lofton could pay serious dividends, particularly in run defense. It has been a roller coaster offseason in New Orleans ... and the Saints still need to get Brees locked up with a long-term contract. Not to mention that Bill Parcells could be coming to town.

Grade: B

ESPN Gives Saints Average Grade for 2012 Free Agency - Canal Street Chronicles

"A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."