CheramieIII

The same thing that Nnamdi is doing seeing if someone will offer that pie in the sky contract before he signs with us.

WhoDat!656

Dallas Cowboys free-agent linebacker Victor Butler wrapped up his two-day visit with the New Orleans Saints on Friday without a contract, according to a source. It's the second visit Butler finished during free agency without a contract as he originally visited with Pittsburgh last week.

This doesn't necessarily mean the door has closed on Butler with the Saints, but it does open the door for other teams to pursue Butler. Butler will visit with the Browns on Monday, according to a source. The Browns beat out the Saints earlier in free agency as Cleveland outbid New Orleans to land highly sought linebacker Paul Kruger.

Saints Coach Sean Payton said outside linebacker was one of the major question marks on the roster and the team is looking to upgrade at that spot.

Butler, who turns 26 in July, played the past four seasons with the Cowboys, serving as a backup to DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. In limited action, the 6-foot-2, 245-pound Butler recorded 73 tackles, 11 sacks and five forced fumbles during the past four years.

Last season was the best of Butler's career, as he had a career-high 25 tackles and three sacks and two forced fumbles.

Butler, who is familiar with scheme of new Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan after playing in it the past two seasons, was courted by Saints because he could play one of the outside linebacker positions in the team's new 3-4 defense.

Linebacker Victor Butler leaves visit with New Orleans Saints without a contract, source says | NOLA.com

"A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."

st thomas

Butler must have thought he should have played in front of ware and spencer. Making r. Ryan pay for his choice now than last year. He seems to not want to play for ryan now. It seemed a no brainer when first talked about to me. But i don.t no nota.

Kryptonite

I was thinking somewhat of the same thing. Or either realized that the schemes that Ryan will employ will be the same ones that got him fired and he knows that he can't perform well in them.

CheramieIII

I really don't think he would've taken the time to come to New Orleans just to get back at RR but I do think he would've come to elevate his market. More visits usually equals more money.

amazin15

the saints should consider a Shaun Phillips. Ex teammate of Brees and sproles and he's had double digit sacks in 2 of the last 3 years for the chargers who play a 3-4. At the least bringing him in could force butlers hand a little. Shaun Phillips wouldn't be a bad plan B if he's not asking for too much.

saintsfan1976

Hey, maybe Asomugha and Butler didn't really enjoy playing for Ryan - like we're all assuming.

It's not like N.O. was their first stops...

FinSaint

Phillips would indeed be someone who might deserve a closer look.

amazin15

I haven't heard too many teams interested in him.. could be a late signing for the minimum. wouldn't be surprised if Mickey doesn't give him a call if he's still available around then.

FinSaint

You probably meant to say that you wouldn't be surprised if Loomis gave him a call if Phillips is still available later on and the market for him had dried to the point where he'd take a vet minimum deal?