New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch

Attached Thumbnails · 03-07-2013, 08:27 PM

Defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois, San Francisco

Francois has proven capable of playing the nose tackle or defensive end position in a 3-4 scheme. Francois, a former LSU player, has just 49 career tackles and three sacks, but last season he had 22 tackles and two sacks. The 6-3, 295-pound Francois is versatile and graded out positively against the run. He really showed his worth when filling in for injured defensive end Justin Smith in the regular season.

Why the Saints should sign him: With the uncertain future of defensive end Will Smith, the Saints could have a major need for a defensive lineman. Francois could be a starting end and a backup nose tackle.

What could keep the Saints from signing him: If Smith is re-signed and the Saints decide to stand pat at their defensive line positions there won't be a need for Francois.

Linebacker Victor Butler, Dallas

Butler flashed glimpses that he may be ready to step out of the shadows of Cowboys outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. In four seasons playing behind the two, Butler compiled 11 sacks despite making just two starts. He had three sacks last season. The 25-year-old Butler will be courted by teams seeking an edge rusher to play in a 3-4 scheme.

Why the Saints should sign him: Butler is familiar with the defensive scheme of new Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and could flourish if given an opportunity to play more.

What could keep the Saints from signing him: If the Saints can land a more proven and dynamic play-making pass rusher they could decide to pass on Butler.

Read more: New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch | NOLA.com

These two are the two logical and realistic ones.

EBenitez · 03-09-2013, 01:54 PM

James Harrison was released by the Pittsburg Steelers. I think that would be grade A if we were to pursue any talent in free agency. He fits the 3-4 scheme. Lets go get em'!

lee909 · 03-09-2013, 01:57 PM

No thanks

Seer1 · 03-09-2013, 01:59 PM

Yeah, his fines alone would knock us back over the salary cap.

K Major · 03-09-2013, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by EBenitez

James Harrison was released by the Pittsburg Steelers. I think that would be grade A if we were to pursue any talent in free agency. He fits the 3-4 scheme. Lets go get em'!

He is approaching 34, had recent knee surgery (missed a few games in 2012). The Saints need to continue to move on with younger guys.

Pass

FinSaint · 03-09-2013, 05:19 PM

I'd take J-F and Butler at the right price.

hagan714 · 03-09-2013, 05:27 PM

Victor Butler bingo young proven and still has upside hype left to go. i safe low risk high reward and should be cap friendly

WillSaints81 · 03-09-2013, 09:22 PM

What about Wilson?

hagan714 · 03-10-2013, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by WillSaints81

What about Wilson?

Adrian Wilson of the cards? if that him sure but get a medical done first. if that works out cool sign him. opps 4 mill went to a backup DE converting to LB so sorry charlie no cap left.

Rugby Saint II · 03-12-2013, 03:27 PM

I like Butler and RJF.........sign those guys and the defense is immediately better.

03-07-2013, 08:27 PM	#1
Threaded by papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,753 Rating: (0 votes - average) Defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois, San Francisco Francois has proven capable of playing the nose tackle or defensive end position in a 3-4 scheme. Francois, a former LSU player, has just 49 career tackles and three sacks, but last season he had 22 tackles and two sacks. The 6-3, 295-pound Francois is versatile and graded out positively against the run. He really showed his worth when filling in for injured defensive end Justin Smith in the regular season. Why the Saints should sign him: With the uncertain future of defensive end Will Smith, the Saints could have a major need for a defensive lineman. Francois could be a starting end and a backup nose tackle. What could keep the Saints from signing him: If Smith is re-signed and the Saints decide to stand pat at their defensive line positions there won't be a need for Francois. Linebacker Victor Butler, Dallas Butler flashed glimpses that he may be ready to step out of the shadows of Cowboys outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. In four seasons playing behind the two, Butler compiled 11 sacks despite making just two starts. He had three sacks last season. The 25-year-old Butler will be courted by teams seeking an edge rusher to play in a 3-4 scheme. Why the Saints should sign him: Butler is familiar with the defensive scheme of new Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and could flourish if given an opportunity to play more. What could keep the Saints from signing him: If the Saints can land a more proven and dynamic play-making pass rusher they could decide to pass on Butler. Read more: New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch \| NOLA.com These two are the two logical and realistic ones. Attached Thumbnails
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03-09-2013, 01:54 PM	#2
EBenitez Rookie Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 5	Re: New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch James Harrison was released by the Pittsburg Steelers. I think that would be grade A if we were to pursue any talent in free agency. He fits the 3-4 scheme. Lets go get em'!
EBenitez Rookie Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 5

03-09-2013, 01:59 PM	#4
Seer1 Site Donor Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bayou Bayfield CO Posts: 4,722	Re: New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch Yeah, his fines alone would knock us back over the salary cap.

03-09-2013, 02:55 PM	#5
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,622 Blog Entries: 3	Re: New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch Originally Posted by EBenitez James Harrison was released by the Pittsburg Steelers. I think that would be grade A if we were to pursue any talent in free agency. He fits the 3-4 scheme. Lets go get em'! He is approaching 34, had recent knee surgery (missed a few games in 2012). The Saints need to continue to move on with younger guys. Pass

03-09-2013, 05:19 PM	#6
FinSaint Site Donor 2015 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Finland... formerly Southern Virginia Posts: 4,961	Re: New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch I'd take J-F and Butler at the right price.

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03-09-2013, 01:57 PM	#3
lee909 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Watford England Posts: 8,809 Blog Entries: 1	No thanks

03-09-2013, 05:27 PM	#7
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Re: New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch Victor Butler bingo young proven and still has upside hype left to go. i safe low risk high reward and should be cap friendly

03-09-2013, 09:22 PM	#8
WillSaints81 1000 Posts + Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4,267	Re: New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch What about Wilson?

03-10-2013, 06:28 AM	#9
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Re: New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch Originally Posted by WillSaints81 What about Wilson? Adrian Wilson of the cards? if that him sure but get a medical done first. if that works out cool sign him. opps 4 mill went to a backup DE converting to LB so sorry charlie no cap left.

03-12-2013, 03:27 PM	#10
Rugby Saint II Bounty Money $$$ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5800 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA. Posts: 24,073	Re: New Orleans Saints: five defensive free agents to watch I like Butler and RJF.........sign those guys and the defense is immediately better.