Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Kristian: Saints target O-Line help in free agency

by Kristian Garic posted Mar 7 2016 7:51PM

Free agency doesn't officially begin until March 9th at 3pm, but today began the "Legal Tampering" period where teams could begin discussing and expressing interest with potential free agents.

According to a league source, the Saints have expressed interest in Seattle UFA (un-restricted free agent) Offensive Guard J.R. Sweezy. He's entering his fifth season with Seattle, and could fit into the Saints price range. Sweezy entered the league as a 7th round draft pick in 2012 by the Seahawks from North Carolina State.

It would be a nice addition to add Sweezy to the Saints offensive line. He's experienced with 49 career starts for a team that has played in a lot of big games.

Some fans might quip at adding him because of the struggles the Seahawks had last season protecting quarterback Russell Wilson, but I would tell you that it was more on the Left and Right Tackle than it was from the interior of that offensive line that struggled.

NFL teams can begin officially signing players in Free Agency at 3pm on Wednesday.

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Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

I like it and I am sure Max Unger would love this also. Max maybe beating the drum to get this done.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

I'm wondering what they mean by "fitting into the Saints budget". This guy is probably going to want 4 million a year. I can only see this if it is back loaded.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

I am sure Drew is pondering the same thing

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

I wish I controlled the Saints off season destiny through Madden. I'd be making great, cost efficient moves as we speak...this deal included.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Why would Brees have any interest in what kind of contract another player may be offered? I could see his interest in improved guard play, however.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

I say NO to Sweezy in the Big Easy. Bad pass blocker. No better than Tim Lelito.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

It is interesting mostly from that standpoint that he an Unger used to play side by side on a pretty good line. Chemistry has a lot to do with how effective a line is.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

This is true. More so between guard and center than guard and tackle.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Yet New England used 37 different O line combinations last year. I know they only "made" it to the AFC Championship Game!

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

They undoubtedly have the coaches to get the job done with possibly lesser talent. That and they draft well.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

JR would be a good signing and not a bunch of money either remember where Unger came from and we will be keeping Unger

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

I think he would be good. I still would draft a OG though.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

agreed, 2nd round

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

So, now matter what player(s) are available, no matter what guards are there, you'd spend a second round pick on the highest rated guard when it's our selection in the second round?!?

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

there are a few in this draft but only a few and if the BPA in the second is a guard, so be it.

Besides with this defense is not going to win us anything for a few years. stop the bleeding is all we can hope for. I know the change to Dennis alone will go a long way to getting us back into the lower twenties. that just hurts to say. lower twenties. lmao thank god for Rob he has my expectations set really low.

any ways till such time we are riding Drew back to the promised land.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

And what I'm asking, what my point is, we spend a second round pick on a guard regardless of the BPA?!?

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

I am a big fan of BPA over needs. 80/20

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Which is why I shutter when I see posts that say we must spend a first round on a defensive linemen or a second round pick on a guard...

Don't believe there are but five defensive linemen worth a first round pick no matter how deep the class is; and of those five defensive linemen, only two, maybe three are worth a top fifteen pick...

There are no guards worth a first round pick in this 2016 draft; maybe one or two or worth a second round pick...

That's not to say that a defensive linemen or guard taken later may not prove to be better than those taken ahead of them in the draft; which goes more to my point, it's taken the best-fit defensive end, the best-fit guard giving us the most value in the draft...

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Would love to get this guy for the right price. lot of teams in the mix, must be pretty good

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

I don't understand why you guys want him. He's essentially Tim Lelito: poor pass blocker but good in the run game.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

He's better than what we currently have on the roster; assuming Lelito plays on the opposite side...

Lelito|Unger|Sweezy would NOT be a bad interior

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Apparently 1/3 of the NFL wants him too. If he can't pass block, they'll just have to coach him up.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Oh Elizabeth this is the big one, that part of the Oline would be a joy to watch

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Well that sort of depends on what kind of protection scheme you are running. But sure, a lot of times the G and C are double teaming together.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Now we don't have to worry about it...

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Damn. He was one signing I wanted. We need an upgrade at guard for sure.

Re: Saints express interest in Seattle guard J.R. Sweezy
 

Don't think it matters since we don't have the cash. I don't like him going to the Bucs though.