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There is definite interest from the New Orleans Saints in San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois, a source said Tuesday, and a visit with the Saints could come shortly after free agency begins Tuesday afternoon.


San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois is on the New Orleans Saints radar once free agency opens.

Jean-Francois, an unrestricted free agent and former LSU standout, played in San Francisco's 3-4 defensive scheme and could be a solid fit in New Orleans, especially with Sedrick Ellis about to hit the free-agent market. He recorded 22 total tackles and two sacks in 16 games last season (three starts).

Without Ellis, the Saints have Brodrick Bunkley, Akiem Hicks and Tom Johnson as their primary defensive tackles.

New Orleans Saints display interest in 49ers DT Ricky Jean-Francois, source says | NOLA.com

Rugby Saint II

For some reason I feel like Johnson may not be back with the team.....just a feeling I've got.
RJF would be a nice addition to this squad that looks to be getting younger every day.

Halo

Just think of these guys as down linemen:

Hicks, Bunkley, Cam Jordan, and R. Jean-Francois

I hope we get the upgrade.

NuNu318

All I know is that there's only like 40min left till we have to be under the cap. Just cut the umbilical cord with these guys and move on to starting a future. I know Vilma, Harper, Smith can stay for a pay cut but in all honesty......it just delays the inevitable. Let them go and start rebuilding this defense for real....please....

FinSaint

IDK, he only has a $775K cap hit in 2013, so he's an affordable depth guy for the DE position.

hagan714

Good chance Eagles sign 49ers NT Isaac Sopoaga to anchor their new 3-4. He's visiting, and ex-49ers exec Tom Gamble is there waiting.

Jason La Canfora@JasonLaCanfora
Would be very surprised if Ricky Jean Francois left his visit with the Eagles without a new deal

K Major

I would go after this guy (Francois) in a New York minute. He would add a forceful presence to our line.

FinSaint

No question about it, but they do need cheap and at least relatively proven depth guys like Johnson in addition to adding a true NT to partner Bunkley.

Johnson took a fair amount of snaps last season, and he did have to take on some double teams in the process. Although I might not be the most objective evaluator of his performances - I do think he and Hicks were the best DTs the Saints had last season, especially when considered what they were being paid in comparison to Ellis and Bunkley.

FinSaint

So which one is it Sopoaga or Jean-Francois? Or both?

TheDeuce

Just my opinion, but this thread should not be slapped with the "Breaking News" tag... interest isn't breaking news, it's noteworthy maybe. Let's save the "Breaking News" labels for signings. Just my two cents, haha feel free to throw it back at me.