Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Micah Hyde could help our secondary.

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Chris Long will not seek another year with Pats, doesn't want a rotation role...

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Possibly. Or maybe the Cardinals S Tony Jefferson? We may even right a wrong and bring back Rafael Bush...

FS (3) 31 - 48 - Vonn Bell, 30 - Erik Harris, 35 - Robenson Therezie

SS (2) 32 - Kenny Vaccaro, 00 - Forrest Hightower

And don't forget these guys were already being looked at for safety as well - 43 - Jimmy Pruitt, 27 - Damian Swann

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IMO Chris would be an improvement over Paul Kruger.

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He'd have to rotate here too.

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Have Mucho Respecto for Belichick and Pats' abilities and insight re: player evaluation - especially defensive line...

...and what worries me more than Long's blue state politics is that fact that Bill & Company kept him in a reduced, specific role...

Not sure I'd trust him at his age and his possible recently satisfied appetite for a run for another ring...

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If I spend my first dime on a FA it would be this one. Insane rotation in the middle, Williams, Davison, Ony. and Rankins this could be possibly the best in the league.

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Worth a one year deal?

Brandon Marshall asks for, gets release from Jets | ProFootballTalk

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https://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wor...0354.jpg?w=250

Eric Decker could join the exodus of Jets veterans | ProFootballTalk

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Give him a Patriots type deal if he would go for it, from a playing stand point, Michael Thomas could learn an absolute ton from him, I've just always thought Marshall was a bit of a head case.

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I look at the list and all I see is not one starting FS

Tony Jefferson wants the money
Micah Hyde is a player that has earned his shot to start. his contract will be based on that shot.

Micah Hyde is one of the more versatile defensive backs in the NFL. This is what the saints need. think a big faster Kenny with ball skills.

team with Duron Harmon and you might have something special in the back end in generating turn overs.

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

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IMHO, Sterling Moore is the priority of our remaining Saints free agents to extend...

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I really respected the way Moore held his own last season.

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Either Raymond knows something or he's really set the bar low for the Saints...

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

March 7-9 -- Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2016 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 9. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 9.
(e.g. RG 68 - Kevin Zeitler, DE 99 - Paul Kruger, DE 90 - Andre Branch, LB 56 - A.J. Klein, CB 24 - Sterling Moore, CB 24 - Stephen Gilmore)

March 9 -- Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2017 on all players who have option clauses in their 2016 contracts.
(e.g. SS 32 - Kenny Vaccaro)

March 9 -- Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.
(e.g. DE 91 - Kasim Edebali)

March 9 -- Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2016 contracts and who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.
(e.g. WR 83 - Willie Snead IV; WR 16 - Brandon Coleman; WR 19 - Jake Lampmann)

March 9 -- Top-51 Begins. All clubs must be under the 2017 salary cap prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time.
(e.g. FS 31 - Jairus Byrd, June 1st Designation)

March 9 -- All 2016 player contracts will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

March 9 -- The 2017 league year and free agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

The first day of the 2017 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9.

March 9 -- Trading period for 2017 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2016 contracts.
(e.g. 10 WR - Brandin Cooks, LT 72 - Terron Armstead, 32 SS - Kenny Vaccaro)

Source: 2017 NFL free agency: Top 101 available players - NFL.com

Note: The names in bold are possibilities are have happened in the case of Byrd

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Free Agency Begins This Week - My Favorite Targets for the Saints

1. 68 RG Kevin Zeitler, 27 (The Big Kahuna)

2. 56 LB A.J. Klein, 25

3. 24 CB Stephen Gilmore, 26

4. 93 DE Calais Campbell, 31

5. 90 DE Andre Branch, 27

6. 84 TE Jack Doyle, 26

7. 99 DE Paul Kruger, 31

8. 24 CB Sterling Moore, 26

9. 83 WR Willie Snead, 24 (ERFA)

10. FB John Kuhn, 34 (signed) :bng:

Note(s): Franchise tags start coming down...

Signing three of the top five and our key returning FAs would have us all just :dance:...

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

From what I've been reading...

Kevin Heitler will become the highest paid guard in the league this year. There are several teams, including the Saints, 49ers and Broncos that might be willing to dish out the money.

A.J. Klein is expected to leave Carolina looking for a starting job with somebody, but I haven't seen any team specifically mentioned.

Stephen Gilmore is looking to make more than Richard Sherman at $14mil/annually. The Bears have expressed interest in pursuing him.

Calais Campbell is reportedly high on the Broncos list of free agent acquisitions. Campbell has said he's hoping to get Malik Jackson money, approx 13mil/year.

Andre Branch has stated that he wants to stay with the Dolphins and the Dolphins have said he is a high priority resign.

The Colts have lots of money for free agents this year but the question becomes, how much do they want to pay at the position. They just signed Dwayne Allen to a 4 year 29mil/annually last season. Jack Doyle could get that same kind of money on the market.

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I just don't get the love for A.J. Klein. Didn't we sign a comparable player in James Laurenitus last season who turned into a total flop of a FA?

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I'd hardly call 25 yo A.J. Klein and a 30 yo, still injured James Laurinaitis comparable; and Klein played at a high grade level during Luke Kuechly's absence and had one helluva an audition...

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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.

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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...

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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...

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Dont want Reggie back


I want speed

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

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

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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.

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Not even sure Titans bite on the 5th pick for cooks let alone 3s aswell.

I think any deal for Cooks is coming post FA starting

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

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I do laugh when people say you dont want tagged as your career could end and you won't get paid

You've got issues if you cant live off Franchise tag money for the rest of your life

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Bills release Dan Carpenter, Nickell Robey-Coleman | ProFootballTalk

I'd bring in Robey.

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Torrey Smith reportedly on the outs in San Francisco | ProFootballTalk

Possible vertical threat for Brees? Torrey is a fast guy that's for sure.

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

We all know the top tier FA agents people want

Who are the 3/4th tier FA that could be worth a look,depending on price

A few that interest me

Chris Thompson (RFA), RB, Redskins. Age: 26.
Chris Thompson has been one of the NFL's better third-down backs over the past couple of seasons. Though he doesn't carry the ball very much, Thompson caught 49 passes in 2016.

Rex Burkhead, RB, Bengals. Age: 27.
Rex Burkhead is a solid, pass-catching back who was given a chance to shine when Giovani Bernard was knocked out with an injury. He took full advantage of it, snatching four receptions in some games.


Andre Ellington, RB, Cardinals. Age: 28.
'Member when Andre Ellington was seen as a great, young running back for the Cardinals? Ellington was fantastic, but hasn't done much the past two years. However, he's been stuck behind David Johnson and Chris Johnson on the depth chart. He caught 46 passes in 2014, so perhaps he can serve as a third-down back for some team.


James Starks, RB, Packers. Age: 31
Ronnie Hillman, RB, Chargers. Age: 25.
Justin Forsett, RB, Broncos. Age: 31

Very cheap only,kick returner low roster WR
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/KR, Vikings. Age: 26.
It's difficult to grade Cordarrelle Patterson. On one hand, he's been an absolute failure as a receiver. He was a first-round pick from the 2013 NFL Draft, and he just set a career-high in receptions with only 52. On the other hand, Patterson, just 26, still has tons of potential, and he's also a dynamic kick returner.


Torrey Smith, WR, 49ers. Age: 28.
It was obvious Torrey Smith was going to be a bust signing when he left a perennial playoff contender, taking the money and going to one of the worst organizations in professional sports. Smith was horrible, logging 53 receptions in two years. Granted, he had horrible quarterbacks throwing the ball to him, but his heart and effort were lacking. Smith could rebound in a new home, but I have to wonder if he has mentally checked out of football.

Robert Woods, WR, Bills. Age: 25.
Robert Woods has yet to live up to his second-round billing. He caught 10 passes for 162 yards in a game versus Seattle this past season, but has done nothing otherwise. He's still only 25 in April, so perhaps he'll be able to improve in the near future.

Same as Paterson
Ted Ginn, WR/KR, Panthers. Age: 32.
Ted Ginn eclipsed the 50-catch barrier for the Panthers this past season and still served as a dangerous kick returner. However, Ginn turns 32 in April, so he doesn't have much time remaining in the NFL.


Justin Hunter, WR, Bills. Age: 26



Vernon Davis TE





Luke Joeckel, G/OT, Jaguars. Age: 25.
I'm listing Luke Joeckel as a two-star free agent because he's only 25 and was once the second-overall pick in the draft. It's not inconceivable that he could turn his career around. Unfortunately, Joeckel has been an abomination thus far. He was slightly less worse at guard than tackle, so perhaps he'll have a future there like Robert Gallery once did. Probably not, though.

Chance Warmack, G, Titans. Age: 25.
Chance Warmack hasn't played like a two-star player; he's been awful. However, he was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, so he has some potential




Damontre Moore, DE, Seahawks. Age: 24
Andre Branch, DE, Dolphins. Age: 28.
Rob Ninkovich, DE, Patriots. Age: 33

Vet Min
Mario Williams,seems done as a rusher but always been good setting the edge




Duron Harmon, S, Patriots. Age: 26.
Duron Harmon, a former third-round pick, plays in the nickel and does a solid job. He's stuck behind Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung, however, so he could start for some other team.

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

Re: 2017 Free Agency thread anyone?
 

"Legal Free tampering ?" ... lol

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