K Major

Sean Payton says team will discuss Nick Fairley's future after season, indicates interest in retaining him.



With the way Nick Fairley has played this season, it seems safe to assume the Saints would have some level of interest in keeping him around for at least another season.

The defensive tackle signed a one-year deal with New Orleans this offseason, and has proven to be one of the better performers on a defense that has taken some strides this season by recording 5 ½ sacks. And with one game left in the season, the future of this team is starting to come into focus, and it sounds like the Saints would like Fairley to be part of the picture.

“We’ll have a chance when the season winds down, which is coming up, to begin to look at the free-agent players,” coach Sean Payton said during an appearance on WWL radio. “There’s a fit with a lot of our guys, guys we’ve had a vision for. I think he’s someone that enjoys playing here as well.

“I think the fans see his effort and energy. I think he’s someone who has that athleticism that you see on a week in and week out basis. So, he’s definitely going to be a guy that we spend a lot of time discussing and working on and hopefully are able to re-sign.”

Fairley signed a unique contract with some voidable seasons on the end, which allows New Orleans to spread his cap hit over three seasons. But, at its core, the contract is a one-year deal worth $3 million...

Sean Payton says team will discuss Nick Fairley's future after season, indicates interest in retaining him | Saints | theadvocate.com

High off season priority for the Saints IMO.