Defensive End
 

We have only 3 in the depth chart that I know of with experience and able to play, if anyone gets hurt before or during the season we will be in a bad way.

Three of the first four games are very important (Panthers - division), Skins, Packers both Conference games that could haunt us at the end of the year if we do not win. We are with out Smith for 4 games.

Tyrunn Walker - 0 experience
Akiem Hichks - 0 experience new draft project.
Greg Romeus - 0 experience
Will Smith - 4 games Suspended
Mitch King - 3 games experience

Cameron Jordan - 1 experience
Turk McBride - 5 experience
Junior Gallette - 2 experience

I think we should look at a short term solution until we can draft or find long term solutions. We have warm bodies but are very short on experience.

All UFA's on the market presently.

James Hall
James Hall, DE for the St. Louis Rams at NFL.com

Andre Carter
Andre Carter, DE for the New England Patriots at NFL.com

Shaun Ellis
Shaun Ellis, DE for the New England Patriots at NFL.com

We only keep 4 DE's on the roster, maybe 5. I don't see anyone I want to cut just to bring in an experienced vet.

There will be an unemployed vet available after teams make their final cuts

I don't want to lose any of these guys.
Smth
Jordan
Galette
McBride
Romeus

Where did you hear that Smith is going to be out for the first 4 games this year? He is appealing his suspension, and probably taking it to court as well. No one has officially announced when his suspension will actually take place.

I think that when that time comes to deal with Smith's suspension, they might look for someone experienced "off the couch" who is not playing right at that moment, just to fill in as a stopgap -- kind of like when Mike McKenzie came back and that veteran McAllister guy (was that his name? ) got signed off the street for 3 or 4 games that time when we had holes in the secondary. Or like they did with the running backs at the end of the year in 2010 (infamous Seattle game) just someone decent and journeyman to plug the hole. But assuming that Smith is out for ANY particular four games is premature.

You beat me to it. First thing that popped into my head after I read that the Jets had released him was whether or not the Saints could use him for DE depth.

He has couple of years of experience, although not that many games and no starts, but he's 27, 6-8, and 315 lbs, so he'd at least be a big body to place on the edge, and he might be had for a fairly low compensation - cut later if not needed.

Ropati Pitoitua, DE for the New York Jets at NFL.com


And there's no way Hicks would be put on the edge, because while that may have been something he could do in the Canadian collegiate level, it certainly isn't something his particular skill-set is made for in the NFL level.

They've announced Smith can train and do pre-season, and his suspension takes effect at
the start of the regular season. Vilma, on the other hand, suspension started immediately and
runs through the Superbowl.

my thought too- league minimum, let him play 4 games, and then put him on IR with the mysterious ailment some of our guys seem to get when we need a roster spot

WNYRS (We Need Your Roster Spot), a terrible disease.
Scientific name: Legankulis Elwristosis
Mysterious disease causing loss of motor function affecting the legs, ankles, elbows and wrists.
There is no cure but miraculous recoveries have been known to occur.

Smith start of regular season
NFL suspends four players in New Orleans Saints bounty scandal - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN

If the NFLPA takes this past Goodell they are in violation of the CBA concerning "off the field" items.

However the players, who were given three days to appeal, may have significant hurdles to overcome. The collective bargaining agreement signed after last summer's lockout essentially makes Goodell judge and jury for matters pertaining to the integrity of the game. Since this case technically falls under the umbrella of off-field conduct, the players can't appeal to anyone but the commissioner per the CBA's bylaws and may have difficulty getting the case in front of an outside judge.
Ex-Saint: Players will fight suspensions to Supreme Court


Saints Bounty Suspensions: NFL Statement On Vilma, Fujita, Hargrove, Smith Punishments

I think DE is going to be stronger than we imagine. There are a lot of unknowns that have huge potential. Spags is known for taking talent and giving them the coaching to be good.