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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

QBREES9

Like I always say in Loomis I trust !

Rugby Saint II

There is not one player on that list that I feel like we have to have.

NuNu318

Only one IMO is Bushrod...but only if he doesn't command too much. Bushrod may not be a probowl talent but he's good enough and LTs are very hard to come by these days.

alleycat_126

Is there any way we could sign bushrod, move his bum to right tackle, and get jake long from free agency to play left tackle...

Either that or just get jake long and let bushrod test the open market.

Boutte

For all of the people who rag on Bushrod all I can say is be careful what you wish for, guys like him aren't as easy to find as you think.

Bushrod is a lot better than he gets credit for on the forums. The guy is a solid LT. I don't get all the criticism he gets. He gives up very few sacks, doesn't get penalties and never gets hurt.

I'm afraid the only way he'll ever be appreciated is if we have to try to replace him.

alleycat_126

Never said he wasn't a good lt, the actual whole in our line is strief on the right side, I would like to see bushrod moved to the rt, and signed jake long as the lt.

jeanpierre

Who's Better Branden Albert or Jermon Bushrod?

I want the better Tackle protecting the 100 Million Dollar Man!

FinSaint

Albert hands down, but I doubt he'll hit the market, and if he does - the Saints probably can't afford him.

Bushrod is an OK LT, but he will be looking for a bigger salary contract, and he was already borderline being overpaid under the old contract, because he does have some major deficiencies which relegate him from ever being considered elite.

But, Strief is the biggest problem on that O-line at the moment, and I'm hoping that Marcel Jones will take that spot away from him during the OTAs and the preseason.

lumm0x

We can easily replace Ellis and Henderson. Bushrod not so and we need to get him back or find his replacement for a good price, which I doubt is possible.

I would like to see Henderson return though. He's a good 4th receiver and is a character guy.