TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON

Posted by Andrew Juge on June 29, 2017

It’s late June and already a grim reality is settling over the 2017 campaign. First there was the massive panic/overreaction story from Ian Rapoport that made it sound like Center Max Unger was going to miss half the season at a minimum after undergoing surgery (Sean Payton has since noted that he expects Unger to play near the end of preseason and the panic was stemmed).

Then far worse news. First, DT Nick Fairley, a great offseason addition for the Saints a year ago who had just inked a new four year deal … might not be able to play again. Like ever. A heart condition prompted the organization to send Fairley for tests and the initial opinion wasn’t good, basically that Fairley ought to hang it up forever and not risk his life playing football. Fairley has since received another, more optimistic opinion, is currently waiting for a third but the Saints aren’t taking chances. Fairley was put on IR on Monday afternoon. A fantastic free agent pick up and solid re-up lost for the season before training camp was even a whisper.

This of course was on the heels of the “no Terron Armstead this year” news. Wonderful. A torn labrum is putting Armstead on ice for four to six months, which means AT BEST mid-October, at worst mid-December. I can easily see the Saints simply putting him on IR for the roster spot. The Saints need to move now.

Finding a replacement for Fairley or Armstead certainly won’t be easy. But there are a few names out there that could potentially help out, and the time to strike is now; injuries will stack up for every team in the league eventually, and there’s no reason to be the team without a chair when the music stops. Worst case scenario, anyone the Saints sign could wind up being a depth contributor, and when has that ever been a bad thing?

DT and LT aren’t the only places I’m concerned about either. Without further adieu, here are 10 guys I think the Saints ought to kick the tires on and why:

Glen Dorsey, DT: Starting right with the obvious is the DT position and Dorsey immediately comes to mind here. He fits the Saints in a number of ways, and would make a lot of sense as a depth signing even if all goes fine with Fairley. Age and health make him a little risky, but also a lot more affordable than most.

Ryan Clady, LT: I know there’s the whole left handed guy protecting a right handed QB but Clady is a proven talent who had a lot of good years in Denver despite that very criticism. At this stage, I think the move is to simply provide a lot of talented options on the line and mix and match where you need. Clady is a perfect piece here, talented and experienced. He’s also the only guy on this list I’m willing to give a little money to.

Nick Mangold, C: Saints fans everywhere would likely start panicking at this move as a sure sign that Unger situation is as bad as Ian claimed, but the fact is, injuries are mounting on the offensive line already and when it comes offensive lineman, I like veterans.

Ladarius Green, TE: There were the briefest of flirtations with Green last spring before the Saints ultimately went with Fleer, and I have to say I’m a tad surprised to see Green back on the market. Concussion issues, including a potential retirement, clouded his first two months with the Steelers. But when Green did play he was dynamic, having a monster game against the Giants (6-110 and a TD). Let’s be honest – who among us is really that sold on Fabio? Green needs the opportunity to prove he can get it done (CHEAP), and Brees is just the guy to revive his career.

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Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

The only guy I like from the bunch is Mangold. He is a saavy, smart & still plays at a high level.

Side note - Ladarius Green is a concussion away from being forced into retirement & Glenn simply didn't live up to the hype coming out of LSU.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I still think Boldin is the guy we should target - a versatile possession receiver who can adapt to our offense. He could help out in Thomas and Snead development. And his run-blocking would be helpful, especially now that we have AP.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I really can't see where Mangold would be worth the investment unless Unger was to miss significant time AND what we already have on the roster simply not work. I trust Unger will be back and we really won't know about the other until real contact begins.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I don't know. There's something about the numbers three, seven, ten and one-hundred that people like to use. In this case, I think Juge was grasping at some straws just to come up with that nice even ten. Mangold is a big name and was quite the player, but if he's still so great, why hasn't anyone signed him yet? Clady maybe with Armistead out, but don't we already have some other younger studs lounging around? Two TEs, one with an egg shell skull and the other who uses a walker. Granted, I'm thinking that is one of our weaker areas, but those two? Wide receivers? Really? Give up a roster spot for yet another one? Need I say more? Another LB? Just slap Juge on that one. Verner wouldn't upset me too much, but Williams? We sign all the guys he listed and no one'll be able to park their Lambos because the players' parking lot'll be taken up by SpinLifes. Just cause a player's "available", it doesn't mean he's available.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I hope you are right. The Saints will need every possible advantage they can get & our opening schedule is difficult. Hopefully the Saints medical Doctors/trainers & medical staff don't rush Unger back into the line up. An extra 3 weeks of recovery could prolong his career by a year or two.

Meanwhile, I'll ignore any injury updates from Rappoport as it relates to Unger and his rehab :smokin:.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Sam Shields
Gary Barnidge
Chad Johnson :)

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

You'd be safer to ignore any updates from Ian Fullacrap on any subject. His percentage of accurate reports falls below the Mendoza Line.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I'd bring in Barnidge and see what's up; reminds me of David Thomas...

Shields is facing legal issues over drugs; can't grow up, can't get up...

Alas, Chad Johnson's ship has sailed; no meaux for Ocho...

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Ochocinco? Hahahaha!

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Barnidge might be interesting.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Exactly.

Look we brought in Paul Kruger at the last minute and it really didn't work out with him having to learn the defense, adjust to his teammates, nadn...

Need guys in the full term of the offseason to really have this team bond...

Senio could play the Center until Unger gets back; Kelemete is the ultimate swing lineman for us right now...

Unger is the key injury on the offensive line, the one that worries me most, not Armstead...

LT (2) 71 - Ryan Ramcyzk (R1, P32), 79 - Bryce Harris

LG (2) 75 - Andrus Peat, 77 - John Fullington

C (2) 60 - Max Unger, 65 - Senio Kelemete

RG (2) 67 - Larry Warford, 78 - Landon Turner

RT (2) 64 - Zach Strief

INJURED

72 - Terron Armstead

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I think Boldin would be a great pick up, he might even wind up starting. The other on this list for me would be Dorcey, I believe he could be a nice backup/rotational guy. When factoring the age for both guys, they could probably be had for league minimum.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

We addressed the loss of Fairley with McDaniel. If they were truly concerened about C they would have likely brought Mangold in already. We have Barnes at tackle as well to go with Ramcyzk so Armstead is addressed. If Rankins and Jordan get on track the D line pressure will be there.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Don't see the need for Boldin when we've got Snead in that role...

Ginn is your Y who runs the flys, seams to stretch the field...

Thomas is already one of the top X receivers in the league...

Could we use depth for the 4 or 5? Sure. And we've got plenty of talent on roster to develop there...

Would like to see us bring in a Barnidge as Fleener's first season was not a confident one...

Josh Hill has had trouble getting healthy, nevermind Hou-man who's not been healthy in five plus seasons...

Phillips shows promise, but I'd rather us spend the money and secure a proven receiver at the TE position...

Barnidge reminds of a better David Thomas-type who made some big catches for us while with the Saints...

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I don't want any of these guys! I guess we're in better shape than even I realized.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I'd rather keep Fleener one last season vs Barnidge.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I think JP was suggesting bringing in Barnidge in addition to Fleener. We have carried as many as three TE's in the past. Cutting or trading Fleener isn't an option.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Could you imagine lining up in a 12 package with Fleener and Barnidge capping the line with Snead and Thomas out and Kamara in the backfield? Talk about total mismatches everywhere.

Gives me goosebumps.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

What's wrong with Houminiwhatchacallit?

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

No faith in Brandon Coleman eh?

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Last year Coleman looked much better making those plays between the 20's. He did manage three TD's, but you would expect more than that if he was going to be playing the "big receiver" role. Look at the numbers Graham and Colston put up. I know. They aren't those two, but the point is that we do need another true red zone threat besides Thomas as far as those "throw it where only they can catch it" passes that Brees is famous for.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Seaux, Ocheaux is getting sleaux?

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

In Loomis I don't trust! Now Ireland on the other hand................:wink:

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Oh Lord, I hope they get someone better than Bryce Harris. He's a turnstile. Charles Brown all over again.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

And just what is that supposed to mean??

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Got me.

:confused:

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

K, this is your second pic or GIF that's left me scratching my head. So I've designed this flow chart for you to use before posting such things:
1. Does it involve a cat?
Yes: Post
No: See #2

2. Does it involve slightly underdressed people? (Hey, we should be equal opportunity around here....)
Yes: Post
No: See #3

3. Have you gone back to the inter webs and found replacement pics or gifs having something to do with #1 or #2?
Yes: Post
No: Do so, then post.
There, short and sweet, easy to follow. After all, we are here to help.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I think the Gif meant something along the lines of "cheer up"

In that episode of spongebob, Squidward just won't accept anyone trying to brighten his day so Spongebob stands there throwing rose pettles in his face in an attempt to make him smile.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I think Josh Hill would be a better example of David T. Barnidge has had a solid year in the league. IMO Fleener is a better TE.

That's just me.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

I remember when everyone here wanted to draft Dorsey and got pissed we didn't make a move for him.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Sedrick Ellis wasn't any better.

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON
 

Re: TEN FREE AGENTS THE SAINTS OUGHT TO KICK THE TIRES ON