NEW OFFSEASON, SAME SAINTS
It’s been the same old, same old for the Saints this offseason.

While there was early talk of acquiring Pierce before he signed with the Giants, and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Ian Gold, who signed with the Denver Broncos, New Orleans was slow out of the blocks.

The Saints did sign veteran Philadelphia Eagles offensive guard Jermaine Mayberry on Saturday to play right tackle, but he seems best suited to play inside at guard at this stage of his career.
While Mayberry did play tackle earlier in his career, he has really turned up his game since moving inside at guard. His biggest strength is his run blocking game, not pass blocking.

But the Saints are apparently going to ask the 31-year-old to play right tackle.

The Saints realize many high-priced free agents haven’t played well for the clubs they signed for.

But when you have $9 million to spend in free agency, you should have to show the fans you are committed to being the very best.

And that means spending more than you would normally want to spend on a player or players.

I fully expect the Saints to jump back into the free-agent market in the near future.

N.O. HOPES TO PASS TEBUCKY
The Saints have finally come to the conclusion Tebucky Jones is not worth the money they are paying him (No kidding!) and are searching for another starting free safety.

Jones, who signed a $29.5 million, seven-year contract two years ago, has been a bust in New Orleans. While he has been a starter since Day 1, Jones has failed to live up to the expectations every Saints official laid out when they signed him.

While there has been talk of possibly trading Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars for safety Donovin Darius, the Saints now seem to be looking at Bucs free safety Dwight Smith, instead.

Smith, a former standout cornerback at Akron University, is an aggressive ballhawk who also excels on special teams. But he also comes with baggage: Over the past couple of seasons, Smith has fought gun charges twice.

While Saints owner Tom Benson insists he needs money and commitments from the state to be competitive, his front office has failed to show the same force in trying to do whatever it can to achieve a high status in the league.

Again, what we have witnessed is another example of a team content with being in the middle of the pack. The Saints want to win -- everybody does -- but they don’t seem to want to ante up when the price gets a little high.

Either you get in the game or you don’t play.

I hate to say it, but mediocrity seems to be just right for the folks on Airline Drive.