Danno

CHANGES ON THE WAY
After another disappointing season, Saints coach Jim Haslett isn't likely to accept the status quo

Sunday, January 09, 2005
By Jeff Duncan
Staff writer

Continuity and stability were the buzzwords for the Saints last offseason. But a mainly status-quo offseason resulted in yet another 8-8 season.

Clearly, status quo won't cut it this spring. Changes, as coach Jim Haslett insisted Monday, must and will be made. How extensive the changes are, on and off the field, remains to be seen.

Haslett huddled with General Manager Mickey Loomis in lengthy postseason evaluation sessions all week in an effort to hammer out an offseason game plan. Neither Haslett nor Loomis has revealed details of their plan. But in conversations with numerous team sources, a picture is starting to emerge.

One primary objective of the plan is to restructure the football operations, in particular the personnel department. Coaching changes also appear to be imminent. Several coaches on the offensive staff, including coordinator Mike McCarthy, quarterbacks coach Mike Sheppard and offensive line coach Jack Henry, could be headed elsewhere. That could require Haslett to make the most important staff hire since selecting Rick Venturi as defensive coordinator in 2002.

In return for the overhaul, Haslett is seeking a two-year contract extension, the idea being to end the relentless speculation about his job security.
If Haslett is not appeased, he could force owner Tom Benson's hand. A buyout could be negotiated. That possibility, though, appears remote as both Loomis and Benson appear willing to work with Haslett.

Team officials expect a decision to be made by Benson as early as Monday.

Once Haslett's future is determined, the brain trust can turn its attention to the roster.

Thanks to Loomis' prudent accounting, the Saints are in good shape against the salary cap for a second consecutive season. They are projected to enter free agency at about $20 million less than the projected $85 million salary cap.

Much of that money will be dedicated to long-term extensions for running back Deuce McAllister and possibly wide receiver Joe Horn, as well as re-signing priority unrestricted free agents Jay Bellamy, Steve Gleason, Jason Craft and Tony Bryant. Restricted free agents James Allen, Mel Mitchell and exclusive rights free agents Howard Green and Talman Gardner also must be offered contracts.

Signing McAllister and Horn, two of the team's most productive and popular players, are top priorities. Both players have indicated a desire to remain in New Orleans. Both are grossly underpaid by market value, and should demand lucrative deals. ...

Releasing veteran wide receiver Jerome Pathon, who is due a $2.5 million base salary and $650,000 roster bonus this spring, would clear $2.3 million.

The Saints could clear more by releasing or restructuring deals with veterans Ashley Ambrose ($1.8 million), Derrick Rodgers ($1.7 million) and Orlando Ruff ($1.2 million).

The Saints also must decide what to do with defensive end Darren Howard. At one time team officials were resigned to letting Howard leave in free agency. However, the five-year veteran played so well late in the season that the team is re-evaluating his situation. ...


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On offense, retooling the line is the top priority.
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Don't expect Riley back.
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The development of Henderson could cost Pathon his roster spot.


It's a decent year for two of their primary areas of need: linebacker and offensive line. Tackles Jonas Jennings, Floyd Womack, Kareem McKenzie and Floyd Womack are on the market. Linebackers Kendrell Bell of Pittsburgh and Edgerton Harwell of Baltimore will be top prospects.

...

The draft grows deeper by the day as several underclass prospects declare their eligibility. This year's class is top-heavy in defensive linemen, running backs and receivers, all areas of strength for the Saints. That could push a top cornerback, linebacker or offensive linemen to them at No. 16.


Free agent acquisitions Brian Young, Aaron Stecker and Jamar Nesbit played key roles and were solid additions to the locker room. Ditto for Jason Craft, who was acquired in a trade with Jacksonville.
Jeff Duncan can be reached at jduncan@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3405.

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