GumboBC

Well, we've lived through most of the free-agent period. Most Saints' fans have a little different opinion on the results, however ...

Of course, I have my own thought process about the results we achieved in free-agency.

I'm going to break the Saints' free-agency down it 2 parts.

Positives and Negatives...

Let's go with the positives first:

Positives:

1. Signing FS Dwight Smith. We get a proven playmaker who has the experience and skills to cover some of the premeir tightends and Dwight can also make plays once the ball is in the air. Something that's been truly missing in the past with Tebucky Jones.

2. Signing Mayberry -- He's not the best RT that was avalible in free agency. But, he's definately an upgrade over Victor Riley. And I believe it's something to be said for that. I aslo think Mayberry's attitude will be a welcomed addition to the offensive line.

3. Getting rid of Tebucky Jones and Victor Riley -- Sends a message to the other players. One that's been long past due, IMHO.

4. Resigning some of our free-agents.


Negatives:

1. Not signing a proven LB. It's my belief that a MIDDLE linebacker is needed. That's where I think we could get the biggest bang for our buck as far as linebackers go.

2. Not signing a proven defensive tackle. Right now all we've got is Howard Green and Jonathan Sullivan. Kinda of risky if you ask me.


All in all, I don't think we had a lot of glaring holes that needed to be filled.

My wish list was: MLB, RT, LT, DT and safety.

I can live with Wayne Gandy. He did play hurt last season and I believe we can get another year out of him.

So, that leaves MLB and DT.

Right now I give the Saints a 'C' in free agency.

If we get Dat Nygen with the Howard trade, that grade will go up to a 'B'.

Then we need to take care of business in the draft.