GumboBC

There is still a chance that former Philadelphia guard Jermane Mayberry, expected to move to right tackle with his new team, the New Orleans Saints, will stay at his old position. Now that the price tag for unrestricted free agent Victor Riley had dropped in a sluggish market, the Saints are considering re-signing the man who started for them at right tackle in each of the last two seasons. If they do regain Riley, it would probably mean Mayberry will play left guard. … Two months after Saints officials announced that coach Jim Haslett would receive a two-year contract extension, the deal still isn't completed. New Orleans brass still insists the add-on will get done, but doesn't seem to be in much hurry to finish the extension.

The Oakland Raiders are the latest team to have trade discussions with New Orleans officials about "franchise" defensive end Darren Howard. They join Dallas and about five other teams that have sniffed around the five-year veteran, although the Cowboys, of course, have been the most ardent suitors. Not surprisingly, the names dangled by the Raiders in the trade talks are cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Phillip Buchanon. Oakland already has added one new defensive end, former Philadelphia starter Derrick Burgess, as a free agent, but feels Howard would further upgrade the position. The Saints aren't likely to take on Woodson's current salary-cap charge of $10.53 million. Lowering that number would mean negotiating a long-term contract for Woodson and that would mean dealing with his agents, the always-difficult tandem of brothers Carl and Kevin Poston. Buchanon, who the Raiders might be even more desperate to jettison than Woodson, is coming off a lackluster 2004 season. Buchanon has a new agent, though, in Drew Rosenhaus, who also represents starting cornerback Mike McKenzie, and who has a knack for getting his clients motivated. The smart money says Howard still winds up in Dallas, but keep an eye on the Raiders now, too. Meanwhile, Saints coach Jim Haslett suggested this week that, if Howard isn't traded by draft day, New Orleans will simply keep him for 2005. Don't read too much into that claim

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...=2021162&num=3

[Edited on 25/3/2005 by GumboBC]

[Edited on 25/3/2005 by GumboBC]

JKool

Riley!

Let\'s put him at guard; maybe he can hear the snap count from there. Mayberry isn\'t a proven tackle, but I\'ve recently heard many good things about him - I feel he is an upgrade over Riley anyway!

I\'m not sure what I think about the Woodson/Buchannon thing. I still salivate when I think about the corners we\'d have, but not being able to stop the run is a MUCH higher priority - the addition of McKenzie (and his subsequent perfomrance) has taken CB off my list of needs. In fact, I\'d rather get a super-star SS - that way Smith will really be free to cover the field! Damn. It would be difficult to pass on Buchannon or even Woodson (with a cap-friendly re-structure, of course).

Buchannon-Smith-Mitchell/Bellamy-McKenzie! Would there be any better in the NFL?

Still, I\'d only go for it we were going to get a 1st or 2nd rounder with which to get a LB! Of course, with a second 2nd, we could package them... maybe we could get DJ? Probably a pipe dream though.

"... I was beating them with my eyes the whole game..." - Aaron Brooks

bignic26

For the love of God!!! Why are they thinking about bringing False Start Riley back? Looks like they\'re not so sure about Mayberry being able to play right tackle.

Danno

Don\'t laugh. It might not be as ridiculous as you think. If there\'s one constant about Riley, its his up and down career. He is exactly the kind of player who follows a bad year with a good one, but he just as well follows a good one with a bad one.

I have no problem bringing him back at a reduced salary. If he still sux, cut him, on national TV, during halftime.

[Edited on 25/3/2005 by Danno]

bignic26

Uh yes, see Ravens.

GumboBC

Strength & Conditioning coach Rock Gullickson yesterday reported that Victor Riley came into camp more over-weight than Jonathan Sullian and it really affected his whole season.

I agree with Danno. I could live with giving Riley another chance. If he plays good then we\'d have a better O-line. If not, Mayberry just goes to RT.

saintswhodi

And now Minnesota.

no_cloning

Can\'t believe I\'m saying this, but ... yes, I\'m so uncomfortable with Mayberry at RT that I would take Riley back at a reduced salary (all the while hoping Stinchcomb may take over during the season).

As someone else pointed out - sorry, forgot, credit to whoever - Oakland doesn\'t have a first rounder anymore and therefore will be less inclined to give up their 2nd rounder. A trade Howard for Buchanon would likely be straight-up. Would be nice if some other teams show interest and Dallas finally makes an official offer.

papz

:rollinglaugh:

jnormand

I\'m with JKool on this. Our defensive backfield should be much improved with the addition of Smith and McKenzie for an entire season. I think the Saints really need to focus on stopping the run, and that starts with getting a proven LB or DT. It would be nice to have Woodson or Buchanon, though. If we were to pick up Buchanon, do you guys think there is anyway they could use the LB\'s and DT\'s we have to actually improve our D against the run? (If we didn\'t draft a good LB or DT)