Unrestricted Free Agents:
1. Mark Ingram, RB [updated – re-signed a 4 year deal]
By far the most important player to retain, if it’s feasible and affordable. Ingram has already said he wants to return and said the Saints have expressed interest in him coming back, too. Ingram had by far the best season of his career, rushing for 964 yards and 9 touchdowns in 13 games. If he hadn’t broken his thumb he would have been the first Saints running back since Deuce McAllister in 2006 to rush for 1,000 yards. He also made the Pro Bowl this year (thanks to about seventy players pulling out). For Ingram it comes down to money. For what it’s worth, Knowshon Moreno (fresh off his first 1,000 yard season at 26 with the Broncos) only received a 1 year deal for $3 million on the open market. Darren McFadden, who is much worse, got 1 year for $5 million but that’s because the Raiders are stupid. At $3 million per year on a relatively short term deal (maybe 2/3 years), I could see the Saints bringing Ingram back. If another team out there wants to pay more, they could easily snatch him away given the Saints cap woes. I’m going to throw out the Atlanta Falcons, regrettably, as a destination I could absolutely see happening.
2. Jonathan Goodwin, C [retired]
Many are high on Tim Lelito and he seems like the player to inherit the starting center position in 2015. Interior line is a place the Saints likely want to get younger. Goodwin is most likely to retire, in my opinion. But if the Saints want him, they can convince him to come back. The deal would be affordable, it’s just a question of whether the Saints feel it’s time to move on (if Lelito is ready) or if they want to bring Goody back for one more year.
3. Parys Haralson, LB [updated – re-signed to a 1 year deal]
Like Goodwin, Haralson is a starter with character value. On the field, he’s a good run stopper and a smart player that is somewhat limited in skills at this point. The Saints need to get faster at linebacker, there is no denying that. I have no problem with him on the roster as a situational run stopper. And I’m not sure I want to part with the most mature and professional player on the defensive side of the ball right now. Glad he’s back.
4. Shayne Graham, K [updated – re-signed to a 1 year deal]
His leg strength is mediocre, but he finished 19 of 22 in his first full season with the Saints. He was one of the very few pleasant surprises in 2014 that performed above expectations. I see no reason not to bring him back to compete for the job again if he can be had on another cheap 1 year deal (which happened). Dustin Hopkins was signed as a possible kicker of the future, so keep an eye on him, but he’ll have to beat out Graham which I think is unlikely at this point.
5. Ramon Humber, LB [update – re-signed to a 2 year deal]
Humber is a guy that plays well on special teams, knows the system, plays pretty well as a backup and has experience. Unless the Saints can find cheap labor that’s better via free agency or the draft, which I doubt, no reason not to have him back on the 53 man roster next year. He’s a decent player.
6. Jamarca Sanford, SS [updated – re-signed to a 1 year deal]
Sanford played pretty well replacing Kenny Vaccaro as a starter. He’ll help special teams and compete for playing time.
It may be time to part ways with the 1st round pick. He did improve after being demoted and he ended up turning his season around slightly. His track record for the career is not good, though.
8. Luke McCown, QB [updated – Re-signed to 1 year deal for $970,000]
Is it time for Ryan Griffin to take over as the backup? Will the Saints draft someone? Or is McCown the #2 again in 2015? He’s coming back so the job remains his until someone takes it from him.
9. Patrick Robinson, CB [updated – signed 1 year deal with Chargers]
I’m fine parting ways with him, but it sounds like the door was open for a return. The Saints will need to replace him with a serviceable reserve because while he was weak as a starter, he was much better in the slot.
10. Robert Meachem, WR [retired]
I have to assume this is likely it for Meach. I don’t see another team snatching him up and giving him a roster spot. It’s possible someone gives him a chance, but I don’t see him making a team in 2015 at final cuts. He’s not a high priority for the Saints but it’s not out of the question that he could return to battle in camp. He’s still a good blocker.
11. Moise Fokou, LB
He had 2 tackles in 2 games on special teams. I was surprised he was made inactive after that short stint where I thought he looked pretty good. He makes sense to bring back to compete for a roster spot, but there’s no rush in re-signing him.
12. Brandon Deaderick, DT
He was a disappointment as a rotation guy. The Saints have to get better at this position.
Restricted Free Agents:
1. Tyrunn Walker, DT [updated – signed a 1 year contract with Lions for $1,750,000]
He was a must keep. As far as undrafted rookies go, he’s a success story. He’s a valuable rotation guy that rushes the passer well. He notched 2.5 sacks in 2014. Very tough one to lose.
2. Senio Kelemete, G [updated – coming back on a 1 year tender at $585,000]
He’s part of the future, in my opinion. I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen from Kelemete and I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that he may start in the near future for the team. I think he more than earned his spot on the 53 man roster with terrific preseason play in 2014 and I’d like to see him back. Again, the lowest tender is all it should take. No question he needs to return as a backup.
3. Pierre Warren, FS [updated – back on a one year deal for $510,000]
Exclusive rights means the Saints retain all of Warren’s rights unless they decide they don’t want him back. His run defense needs an immense amount of work but he proved to be the best back end play maker for the Saints’ 2014 defense. There’s no guarantees he’d make the team this year once Jairus Byrd, Rafael Bush and Vinnie Sunseri are back healthy and he’ll have to prove worth on special teams, which he was unable to do last year. Bringing him back for camp is a no brainer, though.
4. Terrence Frederick, CB [updated – back on a one year deal for $510,000]
Surprise starter at corner at the end of the season, I think that was more of an indictment on everyone else than a promise he could turn into anything. But the Saints liked what they say from him in a short period, so why not see him back? I just hope he’s not starting again because, quite frankly, the Saints need to get a few guys better than him if they want to improve defensively.
5. Travaris Cadet, RB [updated – signed a deal with the Patriots]
The kick returning experiment has to come to an end. Besides that, I will say Cadet has excellent hands and he really impressed me this year with his ability to catch the football. I think the Saints can upgrade at the “specialist runner” position, though.
6. Bryce Harris, T [updated – re-signed to 1 year deal]
The Saints need to upgrade their tackle depth. Harris has consistently proven to be the best backup tackle, though, so I wouldn’t get rid of him until someone actually supplants him.
7. A. J. Davis, CB
No real opinion here.
Released Players:
1. Pierre Thomas, RB: Currently a free agent
2. Curtis Lofton, LB: Signed a deal with the Raiders.
3. Corey White, CB: Claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys
Traded Players:
1. Jimmy Graham and 4th round for Max Unger and 1st round (31st overall)
2. Ben Grubbs for 5th round
3. Kenny Stills for 3rd round and Dannelle Ellerbe
Signed Players:
1. CB Brandon Browner (Patriots)
2. RB C. J. Spiller (Bills)
3. CB Kyle Wilson (Jets)
4. OLB Anthony Spencer (Cowboys)
5. G Mike McGlynn (Chiefs)
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