Top Ten FA List:

01 LT Branden Albert - would prefer Jake Long because of Albert's durability issues but Long has been making 12 million; Saints have been paying Bushrod 3.25 and Albert made 2.7 past season; this is one where a careful balance in salary cap money made available and allotment at this position will effect the balance on this or any list of free agent upgrades for the Saints...

02 OC Brian De La Puente - the center position is one of the most sacred to a football offense and though subtle, can affect the entire chemistry of that unit; this is another position that because of the RFA designation may be signed late, but should be given a priority so there is no uncertainty lingering long into the offseason...

03 FS Jarius Byrd - we're not going to find an entire front seven in FA and the draft, but the biggest reason why the Saints had, historically, the worst defense in the NFL was because of YAC where the Saints were the worse; Darren Sharper was the last great safety the Saints have had and Byrd would have the same impact for an awful Saints defense...

04 DE Michael Johnson - an up and coming Defensive End who's been taught the game by one of the best in Marvin Lewis; he's got prototypical size, speed which is non-existent at the Starting Right Defensive End position...

05 DT Henry Melton - one of the fastest defensive tackles in the box and still very young, but with commitments to Bunkley and the promise of Hicks, can we afford him?

06 LB Daryl Smith - an impact upgrade at a position that's had vanilla level talent, Smith still has a good three years and could allow for a new player to develop at the WILL...


07 RT Andre Smith - his talent is as immense as his girth which has been his fatal flaw, he would thrive under the guidance of the Saints Locker Room but will his appetite extend to his salary demands? and would he hinder the best screen play in the game?!?

08 LB Erin Henderson - his off-field behaviour seemingly behind him which may make him affordable, his talent could be enough to complement a Saints defense for four more seasons. But would he be a distraction?

09 SS Matt Giorlando - Gregg Williams is the gift that keeps giving; we had him and we did not see to develop him - nor any defensive backs for the Saints under Williams and now Spagnulo which begs the question - Why do we draft cornerbacks in the first round if we are only going to berrate them and sit them for the first season or two?!? Giorlando would be an affordable Strong Safety who can tackle and cover better than what we've paid Harper to do...

10 WR Julian Edelman - with so little money seemingly available, it may be that we only sign three to four free agents so it makes sense to sign a guy that has played wide receiver, cornerback, special teams, et al; and our special teams needs upgrades starting with the Spec Teams Coordinator and this guy would be a good starting block for a new Special Teams Coach...

So, have we all given up hope for our OT Marcell Jones?

Pretty good list JP. Don't like the Giordano choice since he couldn't beat out either of our starting safeties before so I don't think he can now. I'd prefer to fix the front 7 first, then address the back-end.

Love the Albert choice, but only if we can't re-up with Bushrod.

I like both LB's you listed and both would be upgrades at WLB. Although we didn't get to see Chamberlain in action. He looks like a more athletic Shanle, which is a compliment.

So, have we all given up hope for our OT Marcell Jones?