hagan714

Saints re-sign guard Senio Kelemete

METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints agreed to terms on a one-year deal with exclusive-rights free agent guard Senio Kelemete, a league source confirmed Monday.


Since Kelemete, 24, has just two years of NFL experience, all the Saints had to do was offer the one-year minimum deal of $585,000 to maintain his rights. It’s no surprise that they did, since the Saints seemed to value the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder as a versatile backup last season.

Kelemete played seven offensive snaps, because veteran starters Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs were so durable. But he was active for 10 games, and he spent some time cross-training at both center and offensive tackle in practices in case he was ever needed there.

Kelemete began his NFL career as a fifth-round draft pick with the Arizona Cardinals out of Washington in 2012. But he played in only one game as a rookie before being cut in 2013 and eventually landing on the Saints’ practice squad.

The Saints’ guard position is under the microscope right now, because Evans and Grubbs showed signs of drop-off last season and are due $7.5 million and $6.6 million, respectively, in salary and bonuses.

It would be an awfully big leap to project Kelemete in serious contention for a starting job as early as 2015, but he should get an opportunity to develop into an eventual replacement candidate.

New Orleans Saints re-sign guard Senio Kelemete - ESPN

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

halloween 65

So Evans playing with a hurt hand and Kelemene got only 6 snaps. I would definately draft a G or go get one in FA.

QBREES9

O-Line helped needed!

Crusader

Solid move. A guy that is young and should know the system by now and who seems to have some versatility to him. Guys like this are great to have as no 42-45 on the roster come gameday.

saintsfan1976

Has the size. Needs more skill. Another minimum $$ signing that made sense.

Agreed we need two more G/C/T type players. Gotta get younger and at a mid-level FA.

Danno

OK... so I guess we won't address the defense? [/justified sarcasm]

Rugby Saint II

People on the board seem to like him so I'm down with the signing. I strongly believe that we need to draft at least one guard to replace Grubbs and his bloated contract. He has never performed up to his contract and has been going down hill since he got here. Evans probably has another year left if he can rest and heal his body over the offseason after his surgery.

We could get by and keep both guards if necessary then replace the center with someone who is competent. I would prefer a veteran center with well above average pass blocking skills. If that guys not available then let's spend a high round pick on protecting Drew's future and solidify this O-line.

hagan714

they keep saying the like the way he is developing.

#1 back up swing man with starter potential at OT is needed big time IMO.
#2 if one of the top OT/OG falls to us in the first to round please just make the pick.
3# see #1

saintsfan1976

Resembles Streif's path while Stinchcomb was a Saint...

RaginCajun83

I'd have no problem taking the best lineman available in the 1st round, outside of Evans and Nicks none of these late round lineman have done much for the Saints