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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.

More here ...

K Major

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.

neugey

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.

AsylumGuido

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.

Seer1

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.

; Your story isn't over yet ;

K Major

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 .

rezburna

Sam Shields
Gary Barnidge
Chad Johnson

AsylumGuido

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

jeanpierre

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...

Seer1

Ochocinco? Hahahaha!