2017 Free Agency thread anyone?

[jeanpierre]

Originally Posted by K Major

Whatever they do, speed on defense is a must.

Actually, I believe our team speed, and more distinctly, our playing speed is markedly improved on defense...

[jeanpierre]

Know some here have a mixed bag on CSC, but this is pretty good...

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[Utah_Saint]

With the quality DE and LBs in upper rounds of this years draft, I hope the Saints can address the OLine in free agency. I think one thing the Saints have going for them when it comes to attracting guards will be the opportunity to play between Unger and Strief, Armstead, Peat. Those guys have the ability to make the guards position easier and give them a chance to shine.

Zeilter seems to be a no brainer. I'll be disappointed if the Saints aren't at least in the running. Money shouldn't be an issue.

We're in a great position when it comes to Norwell. Since he's a RFA, we can run up the offer and force Carolina into spending more than they wanted. Their offensive line was a mess this year. Norwell was the one constant. I would imagine they'd be willing to pay through the nose to keep him. And they still have to resign Kwann Short, Mario Addison and Charles Johnson.

Larry Warford of the Lions is another UFA the Saints should go after. He's had some injury issues, he's missed 7 games in the last 4 years and in few of the games he's been healthy, he didn't play particularly well but when he's on, he's one of the best in the league.

Ronald Leary had an outstanding season allowing him to show off his skills before his inevitable separation with the Boys. He came off as a "me first" kinda guy last season when he was beat out of his starting position by La'el Collins, but who knows if that was real or blown out of proportion by the Cowboys to lessen his FA value this year. If the Saints coaches are confident this isn't a problem, he'd be a definite upgrade.

T.J. Lang is a UFA but there is serious doubt as to whether the Packers will let him hit the market. That said, very few people expected them to let Josh Sitton walk last year either. If he does make it to FA, I hope the Saints are ready to make him an offer.

The Saints also need to get a replacement for Strief on the roster. He's a beast but with those knees, he's not going to last a lot longer. Of course, I've been saying that for 3 years now and he keeps proving me wrong.

[jeanpierre]

On Zeitler's market...

Osemele’s actual annual salary is $11.7 million with the Raiders and it’s a five year deal. Similarly, Steelers guard David DeCastro, who also made the Pro Bowl, signed a 5 year, $50 million contract last offseason, which includes an average salary of $10 million. According to Lapham, Zeitler was offered a deal by the Bengals last offseason that was “something like $5.5 million per year average”. That’s nowhere near what DeCastro and Osemele received and it’s highly likely Zeitler will be looking for a deal in line with what those two Pro Bowl players signed just one offseason ago. Zeitler is a third alternate in the Pro Bowl this season.

Source: http://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/1/3/...drew-whitworth

Look, Falcons wisely got Alex Mack to solidify their offensive line - and the results are they kept their defense off the field and they're going to the show...

Zeitler is a top-5 guard in the prime of his career; if we were willing to pay Evans what we paid, then it makes sense to be consistent and secure Z for 10.25 mil/year...

Then you're looking at an O-Line of Strief-Zeitler-Unger-Peat-Armstead; an elite offensive line where, to a man, each part can handle most assignments one-to-one...

That'd be a huge boon to our running game, helping eat up more clock, keeping the defense off the field - so yes, this helps the defense as well...

[Utah_Saint]

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

On Zeitler's market...

Osemele’s actual annual salary is $11.7 million with the Raiders and it’s a five year deal. Similarly, Steelers guard David DeCastro, who also made the Pro Bowl, signed a 5 year, $50 million contract last offseason, which includes an average salary of $10 million. According to Lapham, Zeitler was offered a deal by the Bengals last offseason that was “something like $5.5 million per year average”. That’s nowhere near what DeCastro and Osemele received and it’s highly likely Zeitler will be looking for a deal in line with what those two Pro Bowl players signed just one offseason ago. Zeitler is a third alternate in the Pro Bowl this season.

Source: http://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/1/3/...drew-whitworth

Look, Falcons wisely got Alex Mack to solidify their offensive line - and the results are they kept their defense off the field and they're going to the show...

Zeitler is a top-5 guard in the prime of his career; if we were willing to pay Evans what we paid, then it makes sense to be consistent and secure Z for 10.25 mil/year...

Then you're looking at an O-Line of Strief-Zeitler-Unger-Peat-Armstead; an elite offensive line where, to a man, each part can handle most assignments one-to-one...

That'd be a huge boon to our running game, helping eat up more clock, keeping the defense off the field - so yes, this helps the defense as well...

"Games are won and lost in the trenches." - John McKay

[Sarik]

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

On Zeitler's market...

Osemele’s actual annual salary is $11.7 million with the Raiders and it’s a five year deal. Similarly, Steelers guard David DeCastro, who also made the Pro Bowl, signed a 5 year, $50 million contract last offseason, which includes an average salary of $10 million. According to Lapham, Zeitler was offered a deal by the Bengals last offseason that was “something like $5.5 million per year average”. That’s nowhere near what DeCastro and Osemele received and it’s highly likely Zeitler will be looking for a deal in line with what those two Pro Bowl players signed just one offseason ago. Zeitler is a third alternate in the Pro Bowl this season.

Source: http://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/1/3/...drew-whitworth

Look, Falcons wisely got Alex Mack to solidify their offensive line - and the results are they kept their defense off the field and they're going to the show...

Zeitler is a top-5 guard in the prime of his career; if we were willing to pay Evans what we paid, then it makes sense to be consistent and secure Z for 10.25 mil/year...

Then you're looking at an O-Line of Strief-Zeitler-Unger-Peat-Armstead; an elite offensive line where, to a man, each part can handle most assignments one-to-one...

That'd be a huge boon to our running game, helping eat up more clock, keeping the defense off the field - so yes, this helps the defense as well...

+1

[K Major]

FA concerns for me ...

Top Tier talent : LB, G, CB
Depth : RT, joker RB, & Edge rusher.

Side note: I hope the Saints FO zero's in on a 2,3 year deal for Nick Fairley & stay clear away from the unknowns.
Continue to build through the draft .

[Rugby Saint II]

30 million dollars should give us Zeitler and a DE or corner in free agency and hopefully have enough money left to re-sign our free agents. I want to sign Fairley and Snead to contracts and keep them in New Orleans at a semi-reasonable rate.

[jeanpierre]

Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II

30 million dollars should give us Zeitler and a DE or corner in free agency and hopefully have enough money left to re-sign our free agents. I want to sign Fairley and Snead to contracts and keep them in New Orleans at a semi-reasonable rate.

I'd throw in Sterling Moore and Kuhn for FA's to retain as well...

[Sarik]

Originally Posted by jeanpierre

I'd throw in Sterling Moore and Kuhn for FA's to retain as well...

The way i've seen the Saints use their FB the past few years, it wouldn't bother me one bit to see them make a run at Kyle Juszczyk. 26 years old and checks all the boxes...Only 26 Years old, great out of the backfield as a receiver/runner, great blocker & just entering his prime.

of course price would have to be right & id rather throw cash at Zeitler first, But wouldn't mind having him. good option since we are a team who uses the FB in a way that alot of teams don't these days.