Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Meh ...
Sorry but I'm simply not a fan of A.J. I'd prefer a guy like Gerald Hodges from the Niners or Zach Brown.

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

It's all good if you're not a fan, I'm not on Fairley's bandwagon for different reasons, but Klein you still played at a high level with the tape and grades to back it...

The Mike Nolan hire may make it all moot and get Stephone Anthony's game turned around at the Mike anyways...

And you still have Robertson who was effective for us in the middle as well...

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Tomorrow's the big day fellas!!! Yes I know nothing will be official until Thursday but tomorrow is when most of the big deals will be announced. Can't wait!

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Cautiously optimistic...If we Sign RG Kevin Zeitler and shoring up the O-line before the draft, I'd be stoked...

Add in DE Calais Campbell to shore up the defensive line, I'm throwing a crawfish boil with alcohol...

Curious to see if we go out and sign a FA TE to replace Fleener or MLB AJ Klein to shore up the middle...

I'd also love to know if the Saints FO is looking at bringing any former Saints back like Reggie Bush or Raphael Bush...

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Dont want Reggie back


I want speed

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

This signing would have me guarded as Bouye has had only one productive season...

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

It's the coaching Raymond, not the players...

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Key to AJ is his ability to not only play all LB three spot But also be an upgrade to what we have on the roster now. Add to it he will not cost you an arm and a leg allowing you to add even more players. Which is the best thing the saints can do for this defense. Quality players that have a proven track record of playing more than one position at a high level of production.

Flexibility is why I want A.J. Klein and Micah Hyde so bad

We can go back and forth on the ability to be a starter all day but as for the bang for the buck I am hard pressed to find a better LB in FA.

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

I've been giving it a lot of thought. We have relatively $30 million in cap this off-season. These would be the 3 moves that would be imperative to make if it were up to me.

1. Kevin Zeitler, Guard

Signing Zeitler is going to eat up at least $10 million of the salary cap, but it would definitely be worth it to sure up the RG position for the next 5 years. Zeitler should be priority #1 for the Saints. We need a better push up the middle to aid in our running attack as well as to protect Drew Brees. As it's been stated time and time again on the forum, a Quarterback who makes his living stepping up into the pocket. Zeitler is a beast as a run blocker. We need him to be our new Jahri Evans.

2. Jabaal Sheard, EDGE

Even if we do sign Sheard, I still think it's imperative we draft a pass rusher in this years NFL Draft. However, picking him up gives us flexibility to address other needs or go best player available in instances where we would normally be trying to fill a need. Sheard would be a great addition coming off the edge opposite of Cameron Jordan.

3. Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback

He had a rocky start in the NFL, but after a solid performance last year where he had 3 interceptions, 10 passes defended, and close to 50 tackles, I think we should take a chance on the former first rounder out of Alabama. He's 6'2", which is important in our division when we play the likes of Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, and Julio Jones twice a year. Not to mention he's a man to man specialist, which fits the scheme we want to run. I don't think he'd come at a steep price either.

Those 3 signings would fill 3 of our 4 biggest positions of need. We're weak at Linebacker, but I feel as though improving our pass rush and coverage on the outside could mask the deficiencies of that position. More than anything I believe we just need more speed there. We can address it in the draft by selecting Reuben Foster. Here's a few depth signings I would also push for as well:

Barkevious Mingo, EDGE
Robert Woods, WR
Eddie Lacy, RB
Reggie Bush, RB
Jordan Cameron, TE
Kelvin Sheppard, LB
Sean Spence, LB


If we could couple these moves with a solid draft, I'd say we'd be contending for a championship this season. I'd most certainly trade Brandin Cooks to the Tennessee Titans for pick #5 and both of their 3rd rounders.

Pick #5: Marshon Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State
Pick #11: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama

Anything after that is just icing on the cake. I'd keep an eye on Patrick Mahomes though.