Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

If we can't get pressure with our front 4 it won't matter who our corners are. We need consistent push up front and that will make the corners we already have look all pro.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

McKelvin may have to have surgery to repair torn groin; and though his return game has been amazing prior to this injury - the Saints would need more than a spot starter at CB to commit limited cap space to him...

But there's no question he's had amazing speed, but what will happen after a groin injury that may require sx?!?

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

"Think Fast, Play Fast"

Michael Johnson - SOLD!

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

We had another pass rusher from Georgia Tech that worked out pretty good for us...

This guy should be our priority in Free Agency...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

I don't think the cap space will be limited at all. There will be a few cuts that we make that will clear a good deal of space... and some restructuring of some deals. If we were to take a look at him(probably not though), he isn't a significant player that would require a sizable contract. His groin injury should also push his value down even further.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Man, I hate redoing a post. I was doing one on this and hit the wrong key and deleted the whole thing, but here goes. I'll give it another go.

Guard Jahri Evans, $9.8 million
Linebacker Jonathan Vilma, $8.6 million
Guard Ben Grubbs, $7.3 million
Safety Roman Harper, $7.1 million
Linebacker Curtis Lofton, $7.1 million
Receiver Marques Colston, $6.6 million
Cornerback Jabari Greer, $5.4 million
Receiver Lance Moore, $4.7 million
Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, $4.7 million
Linebacker David Hawthorne, $4.8 million
Linebacker Will Herring, $1.9 million

Of the players on this list, there are some fan favorites. The problem is that these favorites have not given us the kind of play we need to get over the hump in the NFL.

Will Smith. Will is a fan favorite and a good player. Problem is, that he hasn't given us the pass rush we've needed for the last 6 years and he doesn't seem to even care about containment on the edge. He's good in both areas but as you can see, not good enough to get us to the next level. Luckily, we have his replacement already on the team in Junior Galette. Galette has been the only D-Lineman on the team to provide us with consistent pass rush and his run stopping has improved tremendously. He's been with us 3 years now and it's time to move him up to starter. We also have adequate back up for both end spots already on the roster and under contract. Along with this, we will probably also take a serious look at an impact player for this position as well. Cap savings of 10 mil.

Roman Harper. Yes, I have been on Roman's case for 3 years now. In my opinion, he's just not a good safety period. He can't catch, he can't outrun even a QB in the rare times he actually does find the ball in his hands. He doesn't tackle well, he only dive hits which allows way too much YAC, and I can't remember the last time he actually defensed a pass. We've already got his replacement on the team and have seen much, much better play from them, ie. Mack, White, Bush. This is an area that we may not even need to address in the draft. Cap savings, 7.1 mil.

As you can see, only two moves and our 16 mil deficiency is already resolved and in the event we decide to back those plays with draft picks, it only takes 2 picks. In reality though only 1 as I stated that I doubt we need to look @ Safety in the draft unless there's one that's really a standout and needs to be looked at.

Jermon Bushrod. Being a Saints fan, my wish is that every single player we sign or draft turns out to be a great player. Whether or not that means a pro bowler or what not. I have not been a Jermon Bushrod fan. I'm still not a Bushrod fan. I had to laugh out loud when he was selected for the pro bowl. Anyway I'm not here to bash a Saints player, but Bushrod is just not even a good LT, makes way too much money for his production and needs to be replaced. With the play of Brown this year, I'd say we have his replacement on the team already and it's time to get better there. Sorry, don't know Bushrod's cap hit, but additional savings above what we need right there and it's only 3 players. Without going into a long post, I think you get my premise here so I'll just list some other names.

Players we can do without.

Sedric Ellis
Scott Shanle
Will Herring

So as you can see, I've listed only 6 players that will rectify our cap situation and that can be replaced with FA's and draft picks without gutting our team to the point that we can't contend next year.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

By those numbers...

Harper, Vilma, and Smith are gone...

Evans could be a surprise casualty as well...

If Drew's contract is redone whereby he gets his money in bonus instead of base salary, maybe we can add help - otherwise, we're done...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

In any of the free agency deals that we may do this offseason - tackling has to be a cornerstone in the contract...

Because none of out defensive backs seem to want to tackle...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

The money we pay for Will Smith should enable us to get an impact Defensive End like Michael Johnson who's coming into his prime; just don't see Cincinnati paying Johnson...

Question is - how long can we stay in a bidding match for his services?

How important will winning mean to him?

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

i am with paz on him. i was interested till he moved into the first round

drafted way to high. a media and combine hype player.

BUT i would take him for the right price. put him in the slot and let him play off the line. nickle and dime type of cb

here is his draft write up

NFL Events: Draft Player Profiles - Leodis McKelvin

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

the dude is scary. but the price will probably be to high to go after him. the bengals are in and we are going to be sitting at home.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Well Loomis has got to get the roster pared down so we can see how much money we have to bid...

We must upgrade OT, DE, DT, and S...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

I'd rank needs as

DE, DT, OLB (2), CB then FS, SS.

If we can't resign Bushrod then you're right, OT comes first.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

First Option is to bring in Brandon Albert; affordable and better complement to our offense...

We have got to get the offensive line play back to a higher level...

Defensive End is FA is a priority - younger and polished and Michael Johnson seems to be the best suited candidate...

I've advocated moving Jenkins back to CB; and it's not like we've had a natural Free Safety playing for us till now...

Other than making him blitz, I don't see any defense where Harper's liabilities can be masked from being exposed...

We can't keep Jon Vilma at his current salary; but I'd love to keep him on board for situational play and as a leader, both on the field and in the locker room...

Hawthorne can play when healthy and we'll get Chamberlain back as well...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets[QUOTE=hagan714;465428]Saints 2013 cap $137.5 million .
 

Defensive end Will Smith, $14.5 million
Guard Jahri Evans, $9.8 million
Linebacker Jonathan Vilma, $8.6 million
Guard Ben Grubbs, $7.3 million
Safety Roman Harper, $7.1 million
Linebacker Curtis Lofton, $7.1 million
Receiver Marques Colston, $6.6 million
Cornerback Jabari Greer, $5.4 million
Receiver Lance Moore, $4.7 million
Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, $4.7 million
Linebacker David Hawthorne, $4.8 million
Linebacker Will Herring, $1.9 million
What are the odds of being released?
Will Smith 100%
Harper 75%
Evans, Lofton, Colston, Moore stay. Everyone else is 50/50.jmho

30.2ml on Harper,Vilma and Smith
That is horrible.
How much would be saved from the cap just cutting them.?.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Vilma - 6 million
Smith - 7.7 million
Harper - 1.5 million (depending on how his bonus's are structured)

Then you have to replace all 3 with comparable players. Smith and Vilma look like no brainers, but its probably cheaper to keep Harper than cut him and sign a replacement.

Thanks
Looks like Harpers cap might be his safety net to staying.The other two need big restructures or they are gone IMO.
Both been great servants to the Saints but you have to move on.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets[QUOTE=hagan714;465428]Saints 2013 cap $137.5 million .
 

Saints 2013 cap $137.5 million .
NFL 2013 cap is going to be about $120 million.

13.7 million to reach the cap from where?

Defensive end Will Smith, $14.5 million
Linebacker Will Herring, $1.9 million

that gets us to the cap numbers. But smith did play well this year so i see restructured. Unless that money goes in free agency for an instant starter

How many MLB do you really need to carry?

Linebacker Jonathan Vilma, $8.6 million
Linebacker Curtis Lofton, $7.1 million
Linebacker David Hawthorne, $4.8 million

Who comes in as a true OLB? Draft and start a rookie?

I just did not see the production

Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, $4.7 million

FA again or the draft?

Micky waves his magic wand?

Safety Roman Harper, $7.1 million
Receiver Marques Colston, $6.6 million
Cornerback Jabari Greer, $5.4 million
Receiver Lance Moore, $4.7 million
Guard Jahri Evans, $9.8 million
Guard Ben Grubbs, $7.3 million

this will be fun to watch

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

I think the biggest issue will be do we stay with Spagnuolo and the 4-3 or buy into a 3-4 using Martez Wilson (Jack), Curtis Lofton (Mike), David Hawthorne (Sam), and Jonathan Casillas/Will Herring (Will)?!?

If we go 4-3, we still are going to have to replace Sedrick Ellis and Will Smith (Salary Cap & Declined Play)...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Don't forget about Chamberlain.

He played well for the Rams last season as an OLB, and he looked really good in the preseason before his season ending injury. He seemed fast on the field and made some nice tackles in the running game if my memory serves me right.

Oh, and he already played in Spags' system in St. Louis.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Good point. If we convert to a 3-4 we already have our front 3 in Jordan, Bunkley, Hicks, and we can field a decent set of LB's.

If we stay in a 4-3 we need a RDE, which cost a lot of money.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Chamberlain would be an undersized Linebacker in a 3-4 system; but could he play Strong Safety? Doubt it...

If we stay in a 4-3 Defense, he's expected to push in the WLB spot and play special teams, again one of Steve's guys...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Well, only Herring has more size than Chamberlain out of the Saints' current LB corps, so if we are talking about converting into a 3-4 and doing it with the current roster - he'd be a valid candidate for that OLB position. And in any case, he has enough size to work as an OLB, because there are other LBs around the league who have been successful at that position who were either similar or smaller in size than Chamberlain. I think it's more of a case if his skill-set fits that role, and he seemed fast, agile enough to cover receivers if need be, and a sure tackler, so based on that I'd say he could work in this new position.

Naturally, Wilson would be a clear choice to be moved back to the LB position under the conversion, but other than him, the Saints really don't have prototypical 3-4 OLB linebackers.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

What about
OLB Daryl Smith from the Jags.
He only played twice last year due to injury but if he has recovered he should`nt cost too much at his age and coming off a injury.He could help next year and would let us target some of the other needs.

Terrance Knighton (JAC) Nose Tackle


Israel Idonije (CHI) - DT -
Idonije signed a 1 year, $2.5 million deal to remain with the Bears after a disappointing 5-sack season. With the Bears he's been asked to play more at defensive end, but he's a pass-rusher that can get home from the outside or inside. He seems to love playing for the Bears, but with the infusion of talent on the defensive line, he could probably see more playing time elsewhere.


Sean Smith (MIA) - After trading another up-and-coming corner and former first round pick in Vontae Davis, the Dolphins showed confidence and placed a lot of stock in their long corner Sean Smith. If there's anything his career has shown so far, it's been inconsistency. If Smith gets everything to click for an entire season, he surely has Pro Bowl capability. Miami seems almost a lock to retain Smith, but the quality and consistency of his 2012 season will go a long way in determining the size and length of his contract.

Quentin Jammer (SD) - For the past 7+ years, Quentin Jammer has been among the most underrated defensive backs in the league. As one of the most consistent cover corners, he's hardly gotten so much as a Pro Bowl mention to his name. Now with a contract expiring, Jammer will be 34 as the 2013 season begins. He's signed his last big contract, but despite struggling a bit last year, there is still quality play in front of Jammer.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (PHI) - After trading for him in the infamous Kevin Kolb trade (which is now being re-evaluated), the Eagles traded their Pro Bowl corner Asante Samuel, propelling DRC into a start boundary corner position. He has the length and speed to challenge top receivers downfield, but has struggled consistently covering more polished receivers. He's hardly a top flight corner, but he's the only starting corner the Eagles have opposite Nnamdi Asomugha.


Dashon Goldson (SF) - Goldson had the best season of his career for the opportunistic 49ers defense. Reeling in 6 interceptions and a fumble recovery of his own, Goldson not only provided the Niners with much needed turnovers, but helped prevent big plays in the backend with strong discipline. With the amount of volatility and up-and-down play at the safety position in the league, it's hard to fault the Niners for not coming to some sort of compromise after last year. However, with Goldson coming strong out of the gates again, it seems that's he'll earn an extension after this year.

LaRon Landry (WAS) - Signing a 1 year, $3.5 million deal with the Jets coming off an Achilles injury, Landry received the quintessential "prove it" contract. Now losing Darrelle Revis to injury, the Jets safeties will again be truly tested and Landry will have to help hold the secondary together. If he can make it through the year in the good graces of the team, he'll be in position to earn a bigger payday. Still, with his history of injury and inconsistency, another long-term lucrative payday does not appear to be forthcoming from New York or anywhere else.

Jairus Byrd (BUF) - After a rookie season littered with fortunate passes thrown directly his way, Byrd's interception totals have normalized. Whereas the interceptions are no longer coming in bunches, Byrd has improved his game in other areas to become one of the league's better safeties. With great range and anticipatory skills in center field, Byrd is reliable free safety capable of forcing quarterbacks to hold the ball and double check his position on the field before throwing the deep ball. In a pass-heavy league, one of the best young safeties in the game should be high on the Bills' priority list this season.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Out of your list, Byrd is someone I'd sign in a heartbeat, but I just can't see Buffalo not retaining him, and if he hits the open market I'm afraid the Saints might not have the chips to enter the bidding war.

Other than him, I'd take a stab at R-C if he became available simply based on his size alone, and I think he might do well in a zone scheme, but again I think the Eagles are going to re-sign him or someone else is going to offer him big money.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

GM Loomis should already be announcing some contract renegotiations if we are going to have any chips to bid in free agency...

I don't think it'll be as bad as it seems now - but we don't have much wiggle-room here...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

I'd be over the moon even if they "only" got Michael Johnson out of Cincy, because it would allow the Saints to maybe use their 1st rounder to get an LT, but he might be out of the Saints' price-range.

And like you've already said, Melton and/or Knighton could provide depth and strength at the DT position, and best of all maybe even fairly cheaply. Well, maybe not Melton, but a lot depends on what they are going to do in Chicago under the new HC, whoever he might end up being, and how that affects their defensive lay-out. Knighton would be a good guy to have around for running downs, but my understanding is that he is not that good at creating interior push... I could be misinformed.

And Dorsey might be another prospect for DT depth, but I have my doubts whether he would be a good fit with the Saints and Spags' system - he might end up being another Shaun Rogers.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

on the other side of Wilson... why not junior. He has the size and speed to play the position.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

I really have my doubts about that... wasn't the biggest concern about him earlier that he seemed to be a really slow learner under GW, which was why it took him a while to really become a contributor of any real level?!

He does have Clay Matthews type of size, but I really think he might struggle with some of the lateral movement needed at that position along with the higher requirements of play-reading ability that 3-4 OLB position has.

I really doubt Galette would be the answer next to Wilson, but again, that is only my humble opinion.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Galette best days were in college...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

If we stay in a 4-3, this would be the current priority list for da Saints...

(1) DE Michael Johnson; Glenn Dorsey - Speed, Youth, Fire is what we need; Johnson would be the impact player more than any other for the Saints - only question would be could he handle the pressure to perform? Dorsey would be back home where he would be happier playing for the home folks which is in his value set...

(2) OT Brandon Albert; Jake Long; Andre Smith - any of these would be significant upgrades and don't think it'll be lost on them to factor their jobs would be easier having Brees as a QB and their contribution to a Winning Program with Payton back...

(3) OC Brian De La Puente(rfa) - restricted, but important to maintain continuity in the OL...

(4) DT Henry Melton - this is the only upgrade I can see if we allow Hicks to continue to develop; I felt when Ellis was out that we have very good tackle play between Bunkley and Hicks with Johnston rotating; Melton would take it up a notch but would we have enough left after signing the aforementioned?!?

(5) OLB Daryl Smith - Only upgrade I can see as we've got Chamberlain, Herring, Casillas under contract; Smith has at least two-three good years left and is the best at the Will...

(6) SF Jairius Byrd; Kenny Phillips; Matt Giorlando - Byrd is not going to happen, but I list him anyways; Phillips does have the injury bug - but he's a hitter which the back end is missing; Giorlando would be the an under radar surprise signing who just needs to get in a better situation than Oakland...

(7) WR Danario Alexander(rfa) - Really Like what we have, plus the Toon Kid coming back after a year to get stronger, but Alexander would be a beast in our offense - really rendering us unstoppable and that's why I have him listed...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Oh, and we might want to extend Jimmy Graham...

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Agreed JP.


BTW, Casillas is not under contract, but an UFA. He only signed the 1-year RFA tender last offseason.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

What about Starks - DT from the Dolphins? Could be a solid veteran for Johnson and Hicks to learn from

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

[QUOTE=Danno;470289]Good point. If we convert to a 3-4 we already have our front 3 in Jordan, Bunkley, Hicks, and we can field a decent set of LB's.
If we stay in a 4-3 we need a RDE, which cost a lot of money.[/QUOTE

So, you're saying you want Vitt coaching four LB'ers at a time instead of just three. Hmmm...........I don't know about that. I'm just kidding. But really do we want that?:broccoli:

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Didn't we have Matt Giordano on our roster at a time or am I just misremembering?

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Yeah, you're correct about that!

Giordano was signed by the Saints on October 12, 2010.

Failclowns waived him from their PS in August of 2010 and then the Saints signed him after that. He actually saw some playing time in the 2010 season with the Saints in the special teams unit (9 games), but he wasn't re-signed after the season ended, which is why he ended up in Oakland.

So, kudos on your memory... I didn't remember any of that myself.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

Well he has looked pretty good for Oakland this year, I'd ake another look at him. I would absolutely love for us to sign Jake Long but we can never ever afford him. But that would have given us a sweet OL.

Re: 2013 Saints - Free Agency Targets
 

True, but I'd personally prefer Albert before Long, although either one would be great and both will be out of the Saints' price range. :-)