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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.

burningmetal

I agree, he is a must re-sign. If they let one of the very few successful free agent signings they've had in years get away, that would be a big blow, and a pretty big failure.

Supertek

I Think he has been a good player for us and I am surprised that he can move as quick as he does with that belly.

Papa Voodoo

Hopefully that means, "we really want to bring him back, but we're not doing anymore Byrd/Galette contracts."

ChrisXVI

Tough one. I wouldn't go above $5-6 million/year considering we have good young DT's on rookie contracts with many years left so it's not like he's the only option. 4 years/$24 million with $12 million guaranteed I'm thinking. That would double his current pay but it's nowhere near the top earners at the position.

darksoul35

I agree . We can let him go. If we add one good pass rusher and get Williams and Delvin healthy it is on next year.

Danno

You don't let good defensive linemen leave.

Resign him, it's a priority

hagan714

resign him sure

BUT is he really a changed man or do we end up with a one year wonder getting fat on his new over priced contract? Not like this guy has a great track history of producing after cashing large checks.

Do not let him get away with a contract without motivation clauses to keep him in check.

there are some sold DT on the market this year with long track records of production.

Am not total sold he has changed his ways.

Beastmode

Don't do it. He's only playing better because he has to. Look at his body of work. Once he get's the money he will let off the gas.

halloween 65

I do worry about that. I get all the Lions games living up here, Suh made him look better when he was up here. I'm kind of on the fence. I don't know if he would be a priority signing and I wouldn't give him a big contract. It's kind of sad that our D line has stunk it up for years and he looks like a top tier guy we couldn't do without.