Fox team report 2/13

Danno · 02-14-2005, 02:00 PM

The Saints are leaning toward using the franchise tag on defensive end Darren Howard for the second consecutive season. The designation would force the Saints to pay Howard an $7.8 million salary, a steep price considering the club also has two other talented, well-paid ends in Charles Grant and Will Smith. But the Saints simply can't afford to lose a player as talented and valuable as Howard without compensation.

If the Saints use the transition tag they run the risk of losing him to another team that makes a creative contract offer that Saints can't match.

If franchised, Howard also could be traded. Howard would be an attractive commodity, considering the lack of talented pass rushers on the market. He's in his prime and coming off an excellent season. That's an option worth exploring because of the development of Grant and Smith and the preponderance of needs on defense.

Negotiations on a contract extension for Pro Bowl wide receiver Joe Horn could be difficult. Horn is coming off a breakout season and has proven himself to be a gamer on Sundays. As one of just five receivers to earn four Pro Bowl invitations the past five seasons, Horn wants and deserves a healthy raise. At the same time, the club has major deals to complete with Howard and Deuce McAllister and might not want to commit major bucks to Horn at age 33.

The Saints enjoyed success with a direct snap play to running back Deuce McAllister in 2003 but had to ditch the play last season because first-year center LeCharles Bentley struggled to execute the snap. Coaches have asked him to work on his shotgun snaps this offseason.

Hard truth:: The Saints plan to give defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan one more chance this season, but the truth of the matter is he's a bust. Team officials often compare Sullivan to wide receiver Donte' Stallworth, who matured and blossomed last season after a pair of disappointing seasons. But Sullivan lacks Stallworth's drive and heart. The Saints have done a good job of weeding out malcontents and immature players in recent years. They'd be best served to bite the salary cap hit and cut ties with the troublesome Sullivan.

02-14-2005, 02:00 PM	#1
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,747	Fox team report 2/13 The Saints are leaning toward using the franchise tag on defensive end Darren Howard for the second consecutive season. The designation would force the Saints to pay Howard an $7.8 million salary, a steep price considering the club also has two other talented, well-paid ends in Charles Grant and Will Smith. But the Saints simply can't afford to lose a player as talented and valuable as Howard without compensation. If the Saints use the transition tag they run the risk of losing him to another team that makes a creative contract offer that Saints can't match. If franchised, Howard also could be traded. Howard would be an attractive commodity, considering the lack of talented pass rushers on the market. He's in his prime and coming off an excellent season. That's an option worth exploring because of the development of Grant and Smith and the preponderance of needs on defense. Negotiations on a contract extension for Pro Bowl wide receiver Joe Horn could be difficult. Horn is coming off a breakout season and has proven himself to be a gamer on Sundays. As one of just five receivers to earn four Pro Bowl invitations the past five seasons, Horn wants and deserves a healthy raise. At the same time, the club has major deals to complete with Howard and Deuce McAllister and might not want to commit major bucks to Horn at age 33. The Saints enjoyed success with a direct snap play to running back Deuce McAllister in 2003 but had to ditch the play last season because first-year center LeCharles Bentley struggled to execute the snap. Coaches have asked him to work on his shotgun snaps this offseason. Hard truth:: The Saints plan to give defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan one more chance this season, but the truth of the matter is he's a bust. Team officials often compare Sullivan to wide receiver Donte' Stallworth, who matured and blossomed last season after a pair of disappointing seasons. But Sullivan lacks Stallworth's drive and heart. The Saints have done a good job of weeding out malcontents and immature players in recent years. They'd be best served to bite the salary cap hit and cut ties with the troublesome Sullivan.