GumboBC

New Orleans Saints

2004 record: 8-8 (second place)
With the return of coach Jim Haslett, major changes in New Orleans are unlikely. Most of the team's high-profile players already have long-term contracts, and only two of its unrestricted free agents – DE Darren Howard and SS Jay Bellamy – give cause for concern.

Darren Howard
Howard

Howard is a productive pass rusher when healthy, but durability concerns make signing him long-term a risk. It's unlikely the Saints would designate Howard their franchise player again, unless they plan to trade him later. Bellamy led the team in tackles last season and is a serviceable strong safety, but the Saints won't go overboard to re-sign him. None of their other unrestricted free agents are considered "must" signs.

SS Mel Mitchell, OLT James Allen and MLB Roger Knight all are restricted free agents who likely will be tendered, but not at the high level.

The Saints have around $8 million of cap room, but they usually don't make a big splash in free agency. Given that they like their current roster and believe they are close to being a playoff team, they figure to concentrate on mid-level and role players to fill roster spots and add depth.

The team's offseason acquisition efforts will focus on defense, where impact players at cornerback, safety, linebacker and defensive tackle are needed. But the team could be put up for sale soon, and that often leads to penny pinching

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