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With the first month of free agency now in the books, ESPN Stats & Information put together some league-wide numbers. And it was interesting to note that the New Orleans Saints were among the most and least aggressive teams at the same time.

The Saints only added three players from other NFL teams in free agency (Jairus Byrd, Champ Bailey and Erik Lorig). That tied for the lowest number in the league, along with the Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Rams.

However, the New Orleans Saints were the biggest spenders on any one player. They gave Byrd more guaranteed money than any other free agent in the NFL this offseason.

Byrd’s $26.3 million in guaranteed money beat out Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Branden Albert ($26.0 million), Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib ($25.5 million) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Michael Johnson ($23.0 million).

With the Saints investing so heavily in one player, it’s the equivalent of trading up for a top pick in the draft. Only this time they “traded up” for the top pick in free agency.

The division-rival Buccaneers, meanwhile, led the NFL in both new free agents signed (15) and total guaranteed money spent since March 11 ($74.3 million).

Saints rank as both most, least aggressive - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN

Utah_Saint

I think the Saints had relatively few holes to fill. Therefore it was easier for them to spend a lot on one great player rather than dividing it out among several.

By contrast, the falcons started FA with plenty of money, but they had many holes to fill. They've brought in several average to above average players, the gap between our cap and theirs has closed significantly. They still have money but they're still in dire need of a FS and RT.

ScottF

The article is not really a good barometer for what we have done. We resigned Strief, Bush, Humber, Haralson, & McCown, and restructured Bunkley, Lewis and PT.
A+

Sir_Saint504

I totally agree. We had very little holes to fill. And even with the draft approaching, it's going to be even better with the talent available. Aintlata failcons are very desperate and need help all around. They are again going to be the bottom feeders in the NFC south. Who Dat bout to be 2 Dat.

Rugby Saint II

Saints rank as the most productive in free agency.

Utah_Saint

Welcome to the board Sir_Saint504.

Seer1

I liked this article but again, I didn't.

Danno

Yeah, simply looking at the number of players added, and the total costs is a bit short sided.
We addressed key needs on a team that was already a top 5 team in regards to talent, we resigned our key players and IMO didn't lose anyone that we didnt or can't still replace with a comparable player or better.

foreverfan

And now something to break up the boring offseason....