Saints could keep most of their unrestricted free agents, including Bushrod

papz · 01-03-2013, 07:03 PM

Unrestricted

Sedrick Ellis
Big Sed was supposed to be a big get for the Saints in the 2008 draft. New Orleans moved up in a draft day trade for Ellis, giving away its No. 10 and No. 78 pick to New England for No. 7 and No. 164. The only thing Ellis ultimately got the Saints was a four-year stint with Carl Nicks, whom New Orleans took at No. 164.

Ellis finished this past season with 36 tackles and no sacks. The Saints ranked No. 32 against the run, giving up 147.6 yards per game. The former Southern California standout was his best in 2010, his third season in the league and he has gone downhill since.

There’s a good chance that Ellis will be seeking a change of scenery after his stint in New Orleans and it’s likely the Saints will let him go without any fight.

Jermon Bushrod
One of the more well-liked players in the locker room, Bushrod is seeking his “big” contract this year. He signed a two-year deal prior to 2011 in an attempt to pump up his stock for this year.

At 28, this is going to be Bushrod’s only shot at landing the contract that could set him up for life.

He’s a better-than-average left tackle and he plays one of the most important positions in the game. But after earning a Pro Bowl berth in 2011, he regressed a little this season, though not as much as some fans would like to think.

Quarterback Drew Brees knows and likes Bushrod and understands how to work with him blocking. Bushrod might test the open market, but when all is said and done, there’s a good chance New Orleans offers him what he desires and he returns.

Devery Henderson
The man that everyone wants to run off but who has returned for every season since being drafted in 2004 is set to face an open market where a receiver with diminishing skills might not get a lot of love. Henderson finished 2012 with 22 catches for 316 yards and a touchdown, his worst season since his sophomore campaign.

Henderson will be 30 when 2013 begins and has lost a step. He also lost control of his hands this season. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the second-worst receiver in the NFL.

That said, the Saints will be hard-pressed to find a receiver who gives New Orleans what Henderson does. He’s still a threat down the sideline and has the ability to open up things for Joe Morgan on the other side and the other receivers underneath. Coaches still consider him one of the better downfield blockers.

More to the point, there’s no one ready to step up for him should he be gone. He could be willing to extend his career for at least one more season for a reduced price and stay in New Orleans.

Full article: Saints could keep most of their unrestricted free agents, including Bushrod | wwltv.com New Orleans

01-03-2013, 07:03 PM	#1
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,768	Saints could keep most of their unrestricted free agents, including Bushrod Unrestricted Sedrick Ellis Big Sed was supposed to be a big get for the Saints in the 2008 draft. New Orleans moved up in a draft day trade for Ellis, giving away its No. 10 and No. 78 pick to New England for No. 7 and No. 164. The only thing Ellis ultimately got the Saints was a four-year stint with Carl Nicks, whom New Orleans took at No. 164. Ellis finished this past season with 36 tackles and no sacks. The Saints ranked No. 32 against the run, giving up 147.6 yards per game. The former Southern California standout was his best in 2010, his third season in the league and he has gone downhill since. There’s a good chance that Ellis will be seeking a change of scenery after his stint in New Orleans and it’s likely the Saints will let him go without any fight. Jermon Bushrod One of the more well-liked players in the locker room, Bushrod is seeking his “big” contract this year. He signed a two-year deal prior to 2011 in an attempt to pump up his stock for this year. At 28, this is going to be Bushrod’s only shot at landing the contract that could set him up for life. He’s a better-than-average left tackle and he plays one of the most important positions in the game. But after earning a Pro Bowl berth in 2011, he regressed a little this season, though not as much as some fans would like to think. Quarterback Drew Brees knows and likes Bushrod and understands how to work with him blocking. Bushrod might test the open market, but when all is said and done, there’s a good chance New Orleans offers him what he desires and he returns. Devery Henderson The man that everyone wants to run off but who has returned for every season since being drafted in 2004 is set to face an open market where a receiver with diminishing skills might not get a lot of love. Henderson finished 2012 with 22 catches for 316 yards and a touchdown, his worst season since his sophomore campaign. Henderson will be 30 when 2013 begins and has lost a step. He also lost control of his hands this season. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the second-worst receiver in the NFL. That said, the Saints will be hard-pressed to find a receiver who gives New Orleans what Henderson does. He’s still a threat down the sideline and has the ability to open up things for Joe Morgan on the other side and the other receivers underneath. Coaches still consider him one of the better downfield blockers. More to the point, there’s no one ready to step up for him should he be gone. He could be willing to extend his career for at least one more season for a reduced price and stay in New Orleans. Full article: Saints could keep most of their unrestricted free agents, including Bushrod \| wwltv.com New Orleans Attached Thumbnails
	Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege. All little common sense goes a long way.