Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

This is where we are...

Before reworking any contracts, we're over the projected salary cap...

Assuming we rework the larger contracts (i.e. Brees) and release some players that will have minimum dead money (i.e. Ellerbe), we're going to have a very limited shopping spree in Free Agency...

So the salary cap money allocated had better count and it had better have an impact and meet a personnel need...

We need a run stuffing, gap gobbling defensive tackle and several quality defensive tackles should be available; Damon Harrison is in his prime and will provide excellent value...

We need a weakside linebacker that can cover; Danny Trevathan is entering his prime, will be coming off, at the least, a Superbowl appearance; and will want a fulltime gig to make a difference and can fit the salary cap slot that probably will be vacated by Elllerbe...

We need a big, physical "x" or No. 1 receiver for red zone and first down conversions; with our limited salary cap space, would we try to get into a spending spree for an aged Anquan Boldin? Colston also faces father time, and has recently experienced a case of the drops, but is still familiar with our system and may likely give the home town discount...

Commit the smart money on Harrison and Trevathan and shore those needs up; if the opportunity in the draft of a Treadwell or a quality wide receiver
presents itself, take it...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I understand where we are and I am expecting Drew to restructure. He knows he has to. But no way am I gonna rely on the same receivers to play better against much better secondaries on the schedule next year. I never said a top five receiver like Megatron but a number 2 who has the ability of a number 1 or another strong number 2. And we are probably not even getting Treadwell as he will likely be gone.

If Colston stays then there's no place for a receiver deserving of more playing time unless Snead shares time with Colston and Coleman in the slot. Snead only possesses one quality that is toughness. We need someone that can do both, be quick and tough.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Snead had 1000+ tough yards this season and has excellent hands. Not to bad for a rookie. Another TE to go along with Watson could open up a few more things. Cooks is doing great. If Coleman steps up as a deep threat I think we're good.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Idk I don't trust what we have against elite defenses. I feel the receivers have played scared and only show up against softer defenses or division rivals. Snead has 1000 yards but he hasn't been consistent. Snead has 6 TDs this year and half of them were against Jacksonville and NYG combined. Coleman's also failed to score more than 2 TDs all season. These guys were not stepping up enough in the redzone.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I can agree with that to a point but a better run game could help us out in the red zone. No one respected our run game. A OG and TE could be the ticket to opening everything up. I do worry about Coleman more than Snead stepping up. Coleman is still my wild-card on the O this is where I got to believe in Paytons judgement wheather right or wrong. He has put together some fine O's, it's the D he lets take the field that scares the hell out of me.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

OL and DL is were it is at. the rest will work itself out.

OG Alex Boone? Stop gap measure? Evan Mathis or Richie Incognito?
OG/C Stefen Wisniewski, Jacksonville Jaguars
DT Nick Fairley, St. Louis Rams
DE Jaye Howard KC

WR Anquan Boldin San Fransico?
TE Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

From the sampling we've got a Coleman, especially his porous catching, I wouldn't bank on him...

We do need another big red zone, third down target as Colston's age has caught up with him; until that person is on the roster, Colston's cap number is really not that bad...

Now, it'd be nice to restructure Colston for two more years, 2016 and 2017, that way you've got a leader in the corps to keep the young guns on track...

Problem is that there really is no quality free agent top of the depth chart wide receiver available, that's why I think we're spending one of our higher draft picks on a wide receiver...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Even if there were big-name starting WR's available we wouldn't be signing any of them. I've been beating this drum for a long time: we DON'T sign those free agent WR's. We draft or develop undrafted FA's.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

At some point Payton's got to do something different. With more NFL ready receivers in college, it's not as easy to get undrafted FA receivers. I do not think Treadwell will be available when we pick. And I don't want Boldin, he's older now just like Colston and we don't need to copy what Indy did getting Johnson, which blew up in their face.

Defenses did not respect our run game because they knew from all the press that saints were gonna run more. They focused on stopping the running game, and forced Brees to beat them. They even saw how the passing game looked in certain games and stacked the box on every first down.

There is one thing I am curious about and I will start it in another thread.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

IF Boone is healthy, maybe, but with limited salary cap space, we've got to get a NT that can shut it down and a linebacker that can play more than six games a year...

I'm really surprised you listed Fairley, he'll be suspended for dope by Week 4...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I could see him taking a 4 yr deal @ 5M. Kind of steep for a inconsistent player however I'd take Fairley over any rookie DT in the upcoming draft.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Just read a list on cheaper free agents. Might be worth a look

Ian Williams, DT, San Francisco 49ers

Ian Williams, DT, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ian Williams became a 16-game starter for the first time in his five-year NFL career this past season, and he certainly made the most of his opportunity.

The Notre Dame product racked up 65 tackles, 1.0 sacks, one pass defended and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus rated him ninth overall among all defensive tackles for the season.

At 6'1" and 305 pounds, Williams possesses the heavy, compact frame that teams traditionally look for in an anchor nose tackle. His play in 2015 proved that Williams has the skills to excel as a regular starter. However, he isn't likely to command the attention given to other pending free agents at the position.

Other defensive tackles scheduled to hit the open market include the Detroit Lions' Haloti Ngata, the St. Louis Rams' Nick Fairley, Terrance Knighton of the Washington Redskins and the Green Bay Packers' B.J. Raji.

Williams will rightfully deserve some sort of raise in his next contract, as his 2015 base salary was a mere $1 million. However, the one-time undrafted free agent has worked his way up the NFL ranks, is just 26 years old and could potentially anchor a defensive front for several more years.

He ultimately should prove to be a bargain.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

One issue I had with Williams was injury history, but he seemed to be fine after an ankle injury from a dirty cut-block in a game against the S'hawks...

It'd be an interesting comparison of Damon Harrison vs Ian Williams; still think Harrison is the great unsung hero on that Jets gang green defensive line and would be awesome in black and gold...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

New Orleans Saints sign former Northwestern wide receiver Kyle Prater to reserve-future contract - Inside NU


Now this signing intrigues the hell outta me...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

He was signed last year, but was cut during the preseason... Why is this year any different?

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I look at the Kyle Prater as TE/Hback player.

I am expecting the saints to turn in the towel on some of these UDFA experiments we have been keeping around for multiple years. Nickles and dimes I know but a few have been here long enough to make a jump in salary.

Bring on the cheap new blood. out with the slightly more expense, slightly aged blood. such is the art of dealing with a cap strapped year.

If the saints do the unthinkable and pick up extra picks I am really liking round 4. some solid ball players should be on the board. I love round 4 and 5. solid history of getting good quality depth for team

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Coach Payton's comments about him last year...being a tough cut...once he gets healthy...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Really? Did he gain weight? Though he was a long lanky type, like Marques Colston...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Malik Jackson wants 12mil per year. Vinny Curry got 9,6mil per year from Philly.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

New York Jets Rumors: Damon Harrison Seeking Big Deal

...According to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, the Jets are going to do what it takes to re-sign Harrison, who will be looking for an annually salary north of $5 million per season.

Last season, Vince Wilfork and Terrance Knighton made $4.45 million, and Harrison’s new deal will likely top that.

Harrison doesn’t get to the quarterback very often, but he has been a force in the middle for the Jets’ defense the past few seasons, and is one of the main reasons why the Jets have had a great rushing defense.

The Jets had an excellent defensive line in 2015, but it has to be one of their top priorities to keep both Harrison and Wilkerson on the team long-term...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I wonder about Lions MLB Tahir Whitehead who is more than serviceable as a miscast MLB. I always saw him outside

He has good speed (4.68) and he's good in coverage (S,WR, TE RB in high school)

Could be a solid signing as a weak side linebacker that can play the middle. He has bee toughened up in the middle so a switch to his college position might pay off.

Detroit has OLB and they appear o be looking for an upgrade to MLB.

Plus he appears to have proven the media scouts wrong after 4 years in the NFL

verview

Whitehead is a solid linebacker prospect who will not blow anyone away with his play, but he is serviceable and will be a good special teams player at the next level. He is a competitive defender who likes to work against the run but is even better at mauling tight ends and keeping them out of their routes. He doesn't do as well when covering his man downfield, and he has limited value on pass plays. He carries fifth- or sixth-round value.
Analysis
Strengths
Whitehead is very good at using his hands and arm strength to harass tight ends at the line of scrimmage. He has a good base and he likes to get under tight ends and bigger linemen to throw them off their stance at the snap. He can chase a play down across the field, but he is more of a long-speed runner and isn't as great in short areas. He is a solid tackler inside who could get the job done against NFL linemen.
Weaknesses
Whitehead is a run defender and should only be relied upon to re-route receivers early when working in the passing game. He doesn't change directions well when running with players downfield against the pass, a problem that will persist in the NFL. He doesn't look natural when dropping into zone coverage and shouldn't be put in a scheme in which he has to defend the pass often.


http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/profil...ead?id=2532986

Tahir Whitehead, OLB for the Detroit Lions at NFL.com

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

How about WR Brian Quick from the rams? cheap steal? poor QB play?

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

UDFA? not much talk about CB Wayne Lyons this year so keep an eye out for him. Last year he was a talked about a lot at Stanford but after a year in Michagan his stock has fallen through the floor.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Yes sir. I mentioned him a few weeks ago. Didn't appear that Fisher used him properly and yes poor QB play didn't help the Rams either. Match him with Brees ... could become a polished gem.

Side note: Quick has great size to become a dangerous red zone target.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Via WalterFootball.com

http://walterfootball.com/jscss/Imag...os/TRN/NOS.gif

New Orleans Saints:

2/6: Ben Watson told the media that he has had "good conversations" with the Saints' front office. -

2/5: Brandon Browner indicated that he's being cut by the Saints. -

2/4: Drew Brees on ESPN about contract extension: "If conversations are to be had, they haven’t happened yet." - Christopher Dabe, NOLA.com

2/3: Re-signing Terron Armstead is the Saints' No.1 priority this offseason. - Mike Triplett, ESPN

2/1: The Saints are expected to "downsize" at running back, and C.J. Spiller counts $3.25 million against the cap. - Mike Triplett, ESPN

Read more at NFL Rumors

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

What are we talking a Tyron Smith contract here?

eight-year contract reportedly worth $98 million.
when all is said and done an extension for 9 years at a payout of about $100 million.

which after 10 years might be the going rate for a LOT.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I'd be real careful with the guaranteed money, long term offer...

Evans wasn't nearly the same player after year one into the Big MO...

I'd offer some lucrative incentives tied to All-Pro, not ProBowl, but All-Pro...

other lucrative incentives I'd add are playing time, effectiveness...

the delayed signing bonus is another one that Loomis needs to rethink...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Well, we may not be able to sign as many, but these are my five (5) priorities for the Saints in NFL free agency:

(1) NT Damon Harrison - Harrison is literally the biggest secret defensive weapon in football and the guy who could shut down the interior running lanes and push the pocket for the edge rushers...

(2) LB Danny Trevathan - guy is entering his prime and the cover linebacker the Saints have lacked; he's coming off a Superbowl win and can bring alot to a defense that needs confidence and pride...

(3) TE Ben Watson - a leader and a complete tight end, the Saints have been a model of consistency on offense and Watson fits neatly into that philosophy...

(4) OG Ted Larsen - a great locker room and team leader, he can bring alot to young offensive linemen Armstead, Peat and Lelito and was sorely missed when injured during the Patriots playoff push...

(5) CB Tracy Porter - his best years were with Dennis Allen and a reunion could yield great results with respect to depth; Porter could spell Westbank while recovering from another surgery or possibly replace Lewis if he's unable to make it back...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Was looking at the free agent guards for 2016...

With the exception of Free Agent Patriot Ted Larsen, all the other guards are 'built' the same way...

Big, strong and tall, and we have a guy like that who could be kicked inside, Zach Strief...

One problem is, as a guard he wouldn't be able to pull and get to that second level as he's not the most nimble guy, but we pull with our tackles more than our guards...

The other is his height which could be a problem for Brees...

Guard is now a very big acquisition priority whether Free Agency, Draft or Trade...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Spotrac has updated the projected cap numbers for 2016, with the official releases and moves (not including Browner) and we have ~1.8mil in cap space now available...


Browner has a a 6.3mil cap number with just over 5.3mil of that in dead money...

Browner must have really pulled a 180° in the locker room for the Saints to take that kinda hit...



Thomas Morestead has nearly a 4.5 mil cap number, with only 1.2 mil of that as dead money...

Dannel Ellerbe has a 5.9 mil cap number with no dead money attached...

Releasing Morestead and Ellerbe gives you add'l cap room of 9.2 mil which give you the space to sign Armstead to an extension (before he earns added leverage, i.e. All-Pro, ProBowl honors) and to upgrade that WLB position with Danny Trevathan or sign TE Ben Watson...

To gain another interior defensive lineman and an offensive guard before the draft, they'll need to have some visits with the agents for Drew (which Loomis probably should handle for fear of further butt-hurt) and Cam Jordan...

And releasing Jairus Byrd doesn't look like an option at the moment, but who knows...

Source: New Orleans Saints 2016 Salary Cap Table | Spotrac

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Geeez, we waste money in Free Agency like the New York Yankees!!!

2016 Saints Dead Cap Money

*As of 11 Feb 2016

Player Name	POS	Base	Sign Bonus	Roster Bonus	Option Bonus	-	Restruct Bonus	Misc	Dead Cap	Cap Hit	Cap %
Junior Galette	OLB	-	$2,100,000	-	-	-	$10,000,000	-	-	$12,100,000	7.78
Jahri Evans	G	-	$3,600,000	-	-	-	$1,500,000	-	-	$5,100,000	3.28
David Hawthorne	ILB	-	$760,000	-	$750,000	-	$750,000	-	-	$2,260,000	1.45
Brodrick Bunkley	DT	-	$900,000	-	-	-	$712,500	-	-	$1,612,500	1.04
Erik Lorig	FB	-	$500,000	-	-	-	-	-	-	$500,000	0.32
Stanley Jean-Baptiste	CB	-	$482,448	-	-	-	-	-	-	$482,448	0.31
Ramon Humber	OLB	-	$167,000	-	-	-	-	-	-	$167,000	0.11
Ronald Powell	OLB	-	$84,432	-	-	-	-	-	-	$84,432	0.05
Sean Hickey	T	-	$6,667	-	-	-	-	-	-	$6,667	0.00
Cyril Lemon	G	-	$4,000	-	-	-	-	-	-	$4,000	0.00
Marcus Pierce-Brewster	LB	-	$4,000	-	-	-	-	-	-	$4,000	0.00
R.J. Harris	WR	-	$3,600	-	-	-	-	-	-	$3,600	0.00
Ashaad Mabry	DT	-	$3,600	-	-	-	-	-	-	$3,600	0.00
Harold Spears	TE	-	$3,600	-	-	-	-	-	-	$3,600	0.00
Total Cap Figures	-	-	$8,619,347	-	$750,000	-	$12,962,500	-	-	$22,331,847	14.34

Source: http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/cap/

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Erik Lorig FB - dead cap money $500,000

Fullback!!! lol

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I would like Alex Boone. He is tough and nasty!

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I know; I'd like to see the Saints FA internal memos, notes and scouting reports that went into that signing...

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Cut Spiller. Sign Matt Forte. Trade Ingram. Cold blooded GM moves.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

Mat Forte 2.0 = Lamar Miller (24 years old)

But we invested way too much money in RB position already.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

I do like Lamar Miller a lot.

Re: 2016 Saints Free Agency
 

If my memory serves me right, he was part of the Bucs' run offense which was upper tier in the league. I remember reading some evaluations where Lorig was given much of the credit with his lead-blocking.

He was above average at catching the ball when it comes to FBs, and he (and the Saints) was unlucky with the injury when he initially came over... never got traction after that.

I liked the move and what it represented, but it certainly went sideways.