Negotiations a factor?
 

Does anyone think the current Saints/State negotiations are playing a factor in our free agency?? Wouldn't want to break out the checkbook and seem financially okay by signing some big name players, would we?? Thoughts...

Negotiations a factor?
 

I think the history of the saints is a big factor....

Negotiations a factor?
 

you might have a point. Realistically though it probably has more to do with Benson using this as leverage with the state despite the fact he had no intention of authorizing big paychecks

Negotiations a factor?
 

Exactly. Benson can\'t exactly poor-mouth to the state if he\'s out on a spending spree.

It works both ways though. Anyone think a FA wants to come here if he might have to move to some city he doesn\'t want to go to?

Not to mention many players want to sign with a winner, which we all know....

Negotiations a factor?
 

You know what...if anything I would think spending more would be better for negotiations. It would show a commitment to improve the team for the long term. The pool within the salary cap has nothing to do with the team\'s earnings. So how the money within the salary cap is spent is actuallyirrelevant in team/state negotiations.

A team with some well known, proven vets that does well this year will be a much easier sell than a bunch of also-rans that finish 8-8.

[Edited on 3/3/2005 by GoldenTomb]

Negotiations a factor?
 

Benson can\'t go spend because he\'s using the \"I can\'t compete in this small market\" line. He can\'t afford to compete because to succeed would be to lose state subsidies.

I still say the salary cap works like this...Each owner is given his share of the cap ($80 something million). If Benson doesn\'t use it all and spends only $75 mil, then he pockets $5 mil.

Negotiations a factor?
 

I didn\'t think of it like that. I suppose money that he doesn\'t spend on players is \"pocketed\".

[Edited on 3/3/2005 by GoldenTomb]

Negotiations a factor?
 

The Saints have had the highest payroll amongst players (under the cap) for two years. I certainly understand the argument that it\'s hard for Benson to poor-mouth when he\'s on a spending spree, but ultimately I agree with Tomb. A winning team does more for the negotiations than poor mouthing.

Poor mouthing and a bad team - hard sell to the legislature and populous.

A winning team makes the sell easier. If a politician\'s constituents are talking about \'dem Saints then he\'s more likely to take steps to keep the team. Just my 2 cents.

Negotiations a factor?
 

I told you guys this was gonna happen...at least a hundred times I\'ve said it...

Why do you think he wanted to extend Haslett\'s contract?...

Why didn\'t he hire Coaches to fill the vacancies left by the firings?...

He\'s holding out...waiting to see what happens with L.A...We are now, the back up plan...

Say what you will..curse all you will..I have said it before..I stand by it now...

Actions speak louder than words...and Benson\'s intentions should be crystal clear...if you can take off the rose colored glasses long enough to look at what\'s going on...


I\'m not pointing anyone particular out with the rose colored glasses thing..just a reference in general..

[Edited on 3/3/2005 by shadowdrinker]