Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

This is taken off of another Saints' board. The guy who posted this supposedly works in some capacity for the Saints. I've read this guy's posts for the past 3 or so years and he seems to be credible. But: TAKE IT FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH. A RUMOR!!

PS --

JKool -- See, it can be made to work.

;)

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

Thats DeeGeezy, and you are correct. He is reliable and honest, and just recently took a position on an NFL staff. I didn\'t think it was the Saints though, but I could be wrong.

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

You are correct, Danno. I think I remember DeeGeezy saying he took a job with the Saints. But, I\'m not positive about that.

But, it seems like a good plan if Howard is not traded?!

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

Lower the cap hit and keep Howard, I will take it.
Sure I guess it could slow the progress of W.Smith some, but he will provide excellent leadership we all know this team needs.
They may be able to talk him to adding 10lbs and play inside more, although i know Howard didnt really like it last year.
Then we can trade him next year.

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

Billy, I said it could be done if Howard agreed to a long term contract that didn\'t affect our cap at the rate it would as is - I don\'t remember saying otherwise. My arguments were all based on paying him the tender amount (7.8 mil).

Also if I remember correctly, and it is plausible that I do not, since we didn\'t sign him before the last deadline, if he agrees to a long term contract now, we cannot use our franchise designation for the life of his new contract. Which means, if he signs a 6 year deal, we will not be able to franchise anyone for that period of time.

Either way, at less than 1 mil in his first year, and 14 mil signing bonus over the next 6 years, his cap number will come down quite a bit for this year. That sounds just fine to me. However, this means that his salary must be pretty darned high after this year (32 mil over 5 years). 6 mil a year for a guy who is going to be in a rotation still sounds pretty ridiculous to me - especially when we need mucho help at 2 linebacker positions and one DT positions.

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

I also read that the \"disgruntled Howard\" is total BS. He\'s fired up and ready to go, participating in all the offseason programs with enthusiasm.

I think they got the whole \"disgruntled\" thing from one statement about he\'d rather play DE full-time than move inside to DT because he doesn\'t think he\'s big enough to succeed in there for an extended period.

He\'s a class act and if we get his cap hit down to 1.9 I say keep him and LOFAO at everyone who passed on trading for him.

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

Damn right. The \"huge\" cap numbers were supposed to be Horn and Howard. If we can sign both for less that $4 million in cap room???? Why the F would you get rid of either?

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

I\'m sure Vick, Griese, and Delhomme were hoping we\'d trade Howard. ;)

I figure they probably aren\'t real happy about Horn staying either.

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

I agree guys. I don\'t have a problem with keeping Howard. The guy is awesome. If the cap hit is as small as 1.9 mil, keep the SOB and get to the quarterback! We\'d have a killer trio!

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

Heck no, that dont sound bad. This is what makes SB teams. Players and FO reworkin contracts to keep everyne together.

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

it\'ll never work............

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

;)

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

sign him before saturday and trade will smith to dallas for #11. he\'s as good as they will find at that spot and has a year of proof and experience under his belt. #11 turns into either barron, rolle-pacman, or a surefire dj even if it takes an easier trade. n.o. essentially gets a do-over in the smith pick then getting someone you feel that will be as impacting as him but at a position of more need.

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

WHAT?!? What in the world are you talking about?? You got lucky and hit the jackpot, so to speak, getting a real quality NFL defensive end with your pick last year....so you want to give him up to get another first round pick so you can roll the dice again???? Dude...no offense, but if you hit a big Exacta at the track, do you immediately put everything you won on a nag in the next race? You do realize that it\'s almost a 50/50 proposition as to whether or not a first round pick will pan out to be worth spending a first round pick on him, don\'t you?

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

I had to re-read this because you usually post some pretty compelling arguements and opinions, but this I had to call out.

ARE U SERIOUS????

Will Smith is more talented and has far more upside than Howard. If one or the other has to go I don\'t see how you can pick Smith....hate to lose him but SEE YA HOWARD. Smith will reach or eclipse Howard\'s best numbers THIS YEAR. Mark my words. Write it down.

Another Darren Howard Rumor
 

I am gonna guess the keep Howard crowd missed this very fine point by JKool. Tennessee anyone? San Fran? Yeah, let\'s claim victory that we can cut his cap in year one, then have to continually cut players or let them walk in FA years 2-6 of the deal. Wow. :casstet: