Realistic doom and gloom offseason question...

whodatworm23 · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Posts: 2550 Location: Nawlins

OK... Let's talk doom and gloom for a second.

Outside of the BountyGate scandal that's going on the Saints have franchised quarterback Drew Brees and although none of us feel that Brees wasent going anywhere this decision does affect our other big name free agents.

So, outside of BountyGate and the Brees contract situation I pose this question...

Let's say the worst happens next,
1. Carl Nicks, Marcus Colston, Robert Meachem & Tracy Porter are all lost in Free Agency.
2. Mickey Loomis & Sean Payton are suspended for 4-8 games each.
3. Our draft picks become non existant in 2012 and short on the top in 2013.
4. Numerous defensive players face 4 game suspensions for the 2012 season.
5. Tom Benson becomes a lil lighter in the wallet.

While this is a very realistic sanerio I don't believe it would gut the franchise like some feel it will. To me it all depends on how the Saints react in free agency.

Even with all these losses on offence I still feel we maintain a top 10, maybe even a top 5 offense in the NFL. As far as the defense, sure we'd have some key guys suspended but lets face it alot of those players likley need to be replaced anyway.

The loss of draft picks will hurt for a couple years making Free Agency that much more important to the Saints over the next few seasons. Maybe this is the reason that Loomis needs to get Brees under contract as cheap as possiable.

This defense will be improved in 2012 under Spagnuolo but he needs players... Its very unlikley the help he needs will come from the draft anytime soon so here is the question I pose to ya'll...

With all the offensive losses and suspended draft choices causing unexpected open cap space. Do you see the Saints becoming major players in the defensive free agent market this offseason? If so, whom do you see as a must sign in free agency to help in some way try to balance this situation out and give us a ledgitmate shot at helping us through these next couple of though years?

Players Saints could sign to ease the blow of all this mayham are...

Mario Williams DE Texans
Curtis Lofton MLB Falcons
Brandon Carr CB Chiefs
Jason Jones DT Titans
LaRon Landry SS Redskins

While I'm not saying New Orleans can afford all these guys... landing one or two of them would go a long way in offsetting the loss of some of our offensive players and draft choices.

What Say You?

WHODAT

SIDE NOTE: I personally feel that of all our current free agents on offense, Robert Meachem will be the only one retained. Just a gut feeling!
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Canadian Saint · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 1539 Location: Canada!

In my opinion, we should sign 1 'big name' on the D.

But honestly, I see Vilma cut, Porter leaving, Harper probably suspended. That's worse case scenario imo.

The first two will happen, and Harper will get suspended due to incidents like the Steve Smith things. But honestly, it will be only 2 games tops if any. A guy like Dunta Robinson went helmet first into a guy last year and got fined only. After being a repeat offender. It's as worse or maybe even a little more.

I think Vilma gets the brunt of the punishment for players.

So with that said:

- We need to sign one big name free agent. Tulloch would be my choice. Great MLB who would flourish in a Spags D.

- Sign a nickel CB. Robinson was outstanding and Greer is Greer. We need someone better than Porter.

- Sign a WLB. A decent starter, Lawson would be a dream but he may be too expensive. Rocky McIntosh.

Addition of 3ish starters on D would really change the perception of this D to others (which is rightfully or wrongfully gained).

Regardless of what happens with the bounties, we need to go for it this season. An opportunity like this won't come around too often. We need to take advantage.
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^^^ Props to SHSTE92

NFL: New Orleans Saints
NHL: Edmonton Oilers
MLB: Minnesota Twins/ Toronto Blue Jays
NBA: Phoenix Suns/Toronto Raptors

whodatworm23 · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Posts: 2550 Location: Nawlins

I'll say this... if we do loose Nicks, Colston and Meach we are in a must sign major defensive player mode.

I believe Benson will look to entergize this fan base and remove some of this offseason sting. I would not one bit be shocked that if those players are lost to see the Saints make a major push for Super Mario.
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aj81483 · Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 227

I don't understand why anybody would seriously want Landry now. He's had an achilles problem for two years but refuses to have surgery so he's always out with an ankle. He's a surprisingly terrible tackler, always going for the big hit instead of wrapping up. And now the guy is going the David Boston route and hulking up to a ridiculous size.

As a skins fan, I've followed Landry closely. The guy doesn't seem all that interested in football. He wants to be Mr. Universe.

One last note: The skins had two widely-discussed possible franchise tag targets: Mr. Landry and Fred Davis. Fred Davis is one positive drug test away from being suspended for 16 football games. The Redskins thought it was more important to keep Davis than Landry. That should speak volumes.

SWATcha · Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 1596 Location: Sacto, CA.

The bigger doom and gloom question is...what happens if Brees holds out and doesn't sign the tender?
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whodatworm23 · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Posts: 2550 Location: Nawlins

navysaintsfan · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 5:32 pm Post subject:

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