Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I did see someone suggest signing Ladarius Green. Quite interesting imo. All depends on price obviously but he could offer a dynamic option similar to Graham. We will need to sign a couple or resign some TEs

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Vinny Curry - DE Philly (only 27)

JPP - Giants (Incentive driven contract) ... this guy would greatly improve our bloodless pass rush.

Thoughts?

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I wouldn't see the Saints going after JPP, they dumped a knuckle head at DE last offseason, why bring on another one

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I totally get what you are saying but JPP is no Junior Gallette. I'd love to be a fly on the wall if his (JPP) name is brought up in closed meetings on possible FA's. Do you turn your head away from a serious talent for a mistake made on the 4th of July?

A little different from that fool swinging a belt & bad mouthing coaches/organization :rolleyes:.

Edit: Any one have thoughts/impressions on Vinny Curry?

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Damon Harrison - New York Jets - 2016 Player Profile - Rotoworld.com

The Jets want to re-sign impending free agent NT Damon Harrison.
"Snacks" quietly had a monster season, playing 577 snaps and grading out as Pro Football Focus' No. 6 overall defensive tackle as he started all 16 games. It's obvious why the Jets want to keep him, but with the Jets set to give Muhammad Wilkerson franchise tag money for what's soon to be an extremely pricey defensive line, Harrison could slip through the cracks. Jan 14 - 10:24 PM
Source: ESPN New York

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Quarterbacks have all the leverage in the NFL when it comes to contract negotiations. But Sam Bradford's reported demands from the Eagles were a bit out of whack with the current market.

Appearing on NFL Insiders Wednesday, ESPN's Jim Trotter reported, via The Big Lead, that Bradford wanted a whopper from Philly in his most recent contract chatter, asking for $25 million a year when discussing a contract with Chip Kelly.

"One of the reasons Chip didn't try and extend Sam right away, I'm told, is Tom Condon, Bradford's agent, came in asking for $25 million a year," Trotter said.

Tom Condon = Cap Killer

Source: Report: Sam Bradford asked for $25M a year from Eagles in contract talks - CBSSports.com

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Haha
He relised he was trying ti get Bradford a contract and not Brees or Manning

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Yes you do, because of his hands. We don't need any more of these risks.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I just learned Browner doesn't save us any money, he has a dead money cap hit of 5.5(around that).

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

We're not going to get him.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Interesting names to look out for during FA ...

Olivier Vernon - DE .. Jeff Ireland was responsible in drafting him while in Miami.
Robert Ayers - DE .. played for Dennis Allen up in Denver.
Vinny Curry - DE .... not a big name but he can play.

I don't expect anymore high priced FA's signed in New Orleans for 2016.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I think offseason priority should be Armstead extension. Definitely one of the best left tackles in the game.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Damon Harrison leads the New York Jets list of undrafted free agents. - New York Jets Blog- ESPN

Winning the line of scrimmage has to be the priority...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

JP's Free Agent Shopping List:

NT Damon Harrison (Pair this guy in the middle and wow, things will sure turn around fast, for the better)
OG Ryan Wendell (Guy is a team captain and always has his sh*t squared away)
TE Rob Housler (Maybe just needs the right system, quarterback)
LB Danny Trevathan or LB Brandon Marshall* (Marshall is a *restricted free agent, Trevathan wasn't bad until replaced by Marshall - leverage?)
CB Tracy Porter (Reunion with Dennis Allen?)
K Nick Novak (We've got to get something better as a placekicker)
P Shane Lechler (He's been better than Morstead and could provide cap savings)


I'd resign these free agents:

QB Matt Flynn
RB Kendall Hunter
RB Tim Hightower
TE Ben Watson
TE Michael Hoomanawanui
CB Kyle Wilson
FS Raphael Bush

I'd Release the following for Cap Savings:

G Jahri Evans
OT Zach Strief
P Thomas Morstead

CB Brandon Browner is problematic, but as WillSaints81 pointed out, the Saints are probably locked in for another season because of contact/cap commitment...

Same with Jairus Byrd...

That doesn't mean we can't draft their replacements and have those younger players starting by season end when the likely injuries arrive...

I'd tag Armstead and get a favorable contract, I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints draft another offensive tackle and wait until next season to commit to Armstead; he's been a great tackle, but he's not gotten the accolades to boost his leverage...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

JP,what do you think of Ladarius Green or Dwayne Allen as a TE option?.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Housler? No. If Palmer could not help him and TE production improves with Fells and Gresham that's a problem.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Green...Ideal frame, but has never added the muscle bulk to match; Good speed and can beat most linebackers in space; Productive, reliable hands; Despite underwhelming bulk, he's a legit blocker and it's an advantage in that when he's in the game it's not a 'tell' that we'd be in pass mode; he did have a nagging ankle injury that requires offseason medical attention; he also had two (2) concussions and finished last season on IR; there is also the UL-Lafayette connection with James Willis, though Willis arrived after Green played, back channel inquiries, inside information can be huge in acquisitions, military family, he was born in Germany...

Here's the thing with Green, though Watson is older he's a proven fit for the Saints and I don't know that we could afford both Watson and Green - though those would be some interesting two-TE formations; and the other wildcard is the (x) Chargers will have to choose between Antonio Gates and Green; and Rivers likes his TEs so there's that possible bidding battle; and then Green Bay could be the dark horse as Rodgers wants what he wants...

Dwayne Allen has less than ideal size for what the Saints do; Admire that he's overcome extreme hardship in his life and to have the attitude that he has; unfortunately, he's been extremely injury prone and that unreliability week to week makes him an unlikely signee...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Carson Palmer < Drew Brees

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I'd be surprised if SD let him walk. Good young talent but he can't stay healthy as of late.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Watching OG Ryan Wendell and LB Danny Trevathan today...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Isn't Wendell on IR?

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Malik Jackson and Trevathan are playing great so far.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I know we won't have the cap space but man I would have loved to see Von Miller in black and gold. He is having a fantastic game against the Patriots.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Just thinking the same
If only uncle Benson could find the money for him and Wilkerson or am i being greedy

Jordan and Wilkerson on the edge,Kikaha and Miller as OLB. Best DT in the draft

Sad face wheb reality hits

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Unfortunately Dennis Allen doesn't doesn't use guys like Von Miller and Khalil Mack properly as seen in his last two stops where he had them playing strong side LB in his 4-3. Sadly, it's the same fate that awaits Kikaha. These guys are edge rushers but Dennis Allen has his system and that's that.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Correct, and they missed him today...

Really impressed with Trevathan; really hoping we can make a run at him and Damon Harrison...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

NT Damon Harrison should be the Saints No. 1 priority in recruiting free agents this coming offseason...

But Danny Trevathan was pretty impressive yesterday running all over the field in coverage against the NE RB James White et al...

Sign those two guys, get Brees, Colston, Armstead some updated contracts...

Maybe sign a guard in free agency - Ryan Wendell comes to mind...

We'll be right back in it...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Von's rookie year under Allen he put up 11.5 sacks playing roughly the same role and rushing the passer about the same amount. Khalil is a good pass rusher but I'd like to think that Von Miller is a more natural pass rusher.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Von Miller was beastly last night. They won that game on his back with some help from Ward,Jackson and Wolfe. Manning is done,they won in spite of him. Bringing him back as the starter is a mistake

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

So Palmer's made weapons too. Look at JJ Nelson and John Brown. Palmer was playing in cold weather in Carolina. If it was Arizona, it would be different.

I just feel that after it took Gronk to almost tie the Denver game, Brees needs someone to be clutch. Getting all these players who will never be elite is just not the way to go. I would like for Brees to restructure by 10 mil, other players to restructure, Colston to move on and saints to sign a big receiver.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

What big receiver on the open market?!? Anquan Boldin?!? That's it.

We have better on our roster than will be available...

We can improve the defensive line with the a top 3 nose tackle in Damon Harrison...

We can improve and round out the linebackers with LB Danny Trevathan...

And we could acquire an affordable guard in Ryan Wendell, allowing the team to move on from Jahri Evans...

And if Colston would restructure and come back as a slot receiver as a 3rd down and end zone specialists, why would we not want him back?

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Saints 2016 Free Agents

Rafael Bush	FS	28	NO	TBD	$1,950,000	UFA
Benjamin Watson	TE	35	NO	TBD	$1,900,000	UFA
Kevin Williams	DT	35	NO	TBD	$1,500,000	UFA
Michael Hooui	TE	27	NO	TBD	$940,074	UFA
Anthony Spencer	OLB	32	NO	TBD	$665,000	UFA
Luke McCown	QB	34	NO	TBD	$665,000	UFA
Kyle Wilson	CB	28	NO	TBD	$665,000	UFA
Jamarca Sanford	SS	30	NO	TBD	$665,000	UFA
Josh Hill	TE	25	NO	TBD	$586,668	RFA
Tim Lelito	G	26	NO	TBD	$586,668	RFA
Senio Kelemete	G	25	NO	TBD	$585,000	RFA
Mike McGlynn	G	30	NO	TBD	$550,588	UFA
Khiry Robinson	RB	26	NO	TBD	$459,863	RFA
Tony Hills	LT	31	NO	TBD	$447,352	UFA
Kai Forbath	K	28	NO	TBD	$427,058	UFA
Lawrence Virgil	DE	25	NO	TBD	$333,000	ERFA
Austin Brown	DT	24	NO	TBD	$318,000	ERFA
Tim Hightower	RB	29	NO	TBD	$309,705	UFA
James Anderson	OLB	32	NO	TBD	$275,294	UFA
Matt Flynn	QB	30	NO	TBD	$275,294	UFA
Christ Owens	CB	29	NO	TBD	$206,470	UFA
Austin Johnson	FB	26	NO	TBD	$120,000	RFA
Kendall Hunter	RB	27	NO	TBD	$116,470	UFA
Travaris Cadet	RB	26	NO	TBD	$77,647	UFA
Ryan Seymour	G	25	NO	TBD	$68,823	RFA

Source: 2016 NFL Free Agents Tracker | Spotrac

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

2016 Dead Cap Money

Name	Cap Number
Junior Galette	$12,100,000
Brodrick Bunkley	$1,612,500
Erik Lorig	$500,000
Stanley Jean-Baptiste	$482,448
Ronald Powell	$84,430
Sean Hickey	$6,667
Cyril Lemon	$4,000
Markus Pierce-Brewster	$4,000
R.J. Harris	$3,600
Harold Spears	$3,600
Ashaad Mabry	$3,600
TOTAL	$14,804,845

http://overthecap.com/salary-cap/new-orleans-saints/

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

looks like Loomis' magic tricks are about to catch up to the team. I normally don't second guess him but without a Brees restructure, you can forget this team improving besides through the draft. 14 Million tired up to players no longer on the team , good lord that's a lot of money

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Great post. 👍

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Per Over the Cap, the New Orleans Saints Total Cap Number is $160,655,043 with the Top 51 at $159,305,043; (Offense: $76,245,123 Defense: $62,973,185 Special: $5,340,000)

Source: New Orleans Saints Salary Cap - Over the Cap

I'd consider the following targets for 2016 salary cap address...

Player Name	2016 Cap No.	Action	Dead Money	Savings
QB Drew Brees	$30,000,000	Post 6/1 Cut	$10,000,000	$20,000,000
FS Jairus Byrd	$10,900,000	Post 6/1 Cut	$3,400,000	$7,500,000
OG Jahri Evans	$8,200,000	Post 6/1 Cut	$5,300,000	$2,900,000
CB Keenan Lewis	$6,350,000	Post 6/1 Cut	$3,600,000	$2,750,000
CB Brandon Browner	$6,300,000	Post 6/1 Cut	$4,050,000	$2,250,000
LB Dannell Ellerbe	$5,900,000	Post 6/1 Cut	$700,000	$5,200,000
WR Marques Colston	$5,900,000	Pre/Post 6/1	$2,700,000	$3,200,000
RT Zach Strief	$4,543,750	Post 6/1 Cut	$1,100,000	$3,443,750
LB David Hawthorne	$4,510,000	Pre/Post 6/1	$2,260,000	$2,250,000
RB CJ Spiller	$4,500,000	Post 6/1 Cut	$1,250,000	$3,250,000
KP Thomas Morstead	$4,450,000	Post 6/1 Cut	$950,000	$3,500,000
LB Ramon Humber	$1,068,000	Post 6/1 Cut	$167,000	$901,000

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

A few observations...

Cutting Jairus Byrd post 1 June puts the Saints right at the projected salary cap...

If Westbank's Injury (K Lewis) looks serious, he could be vulnerable to release...

Jahri Evans is virtually guaranteed a roster spot with his cap number and that's too bad...

Evans hasn't played to his contract in three years and Loomis must fix that issue...

Browner is another contract that is prohibitive to release; pray he wins Comeback Player of the Year?!?

If Browner does, Aaron Glenn should be the first NFL assistant coach to win Coach of the Year!!!

Ellerbe has really flashed at times, but his injury time and cap number make him a likely cap casualty...

Even if Andrus Peat has a great offseason and camp, Strief still provides excellent depth per costs...

Guess we'll find out if it was injury or Payton's doghouse with Spiller and his cap number...

There's no way Morstead is worth those numbers and if a linebacker or NT could be had with Ellerbe and Morstead's savings, it should happen...

Humber's value in depth and special teams is greater than his cap number...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I thought players like Sanu would be available.

So is Colston gonna start a training regimen and not drop passes or fail to make catches anymore? Oh wait is the oline to blame again? IS Snead gonna put on 20 pounds this offseason and suddenly be electric?

I don't want more 3-7 offensive points against Detroit and Carolina first halfs again next season(yeah Brees always moved the ball at home against any defense).

I know we need defense, but we are never gonna break our ass on defense to win without Brees able to pass for some points. We're not Denver. You want Brees to win ugly games against NE and Pittsburgh like Manning did? Basically we won't know if we will win until the final second.