Who are the Saints most likely to lose once free agency gets underway? To me the answer to that question is obvious: Lance Moore. Granted, my answer to that same question would have been Pierre Thomas prior to the running back signing a long term extension with the team this offseason just before the lockout. It’s not guaranteed that Moore will depart for greener pastures, but of the list of Saints’ free agents, he represents the biggest risk.
With the recent rumor that players with 4+ years of experience will be unrestricted free agents, Moore will be able to test free agency in an open market and he’ll be able to field offers from anyone. This is a big disadvantage in having him return to the Saints, because before any new CBA Moore was set to be a restricted free agent. This meant the Saints would have A. had the right to match any offer for Moore and B. at least got something in return if he left. The second part of that was also a deterrant for other teams to sign Moore, because they would’ve had to invest a big contract AND a draft choice to get him. Now, all they have to worry about is the money.
Does Moore still want to be with the Saints?
I think so. But I also don’t doubt that he’ll command decent interest around the league. Teams like good route running receivers with excellent hands and good speed that don’t cause problems. I shutter to think what Lance Moore could do in the New England Patriots’ offense. We all know by now there’s also bad blood between Moore and the Saints’ front office. He was publicly frustrated and he let that be known through twitter with the progress of contract talks prior to the lockout. I also sensed some jealousy that deals with Pierre Thomas and Garrett Hartley before the lockout were finalized before him. With the recent development, it looks like the Saints won’t be able to drive a hard bargain with him anymore. Assuming bridges aren’t burned, and they very well could be, the Saints will have no choice but to pony up if they want to keep him. Even if they do pony up, he could still leave. Don’t be the least bit surprised if #16 is playing for someone else next season.
Of the other Saints’ free agents, the Saints won’t re-sign all of them, but I believe any one of them they want back will be back. David Thomas and Roman Harper are two guys that may command interest, and the risk is there with them too, but at the end of the day I don’t see them leaving unless the Saints make it clear they aren’t interested in having them back at a market rate. I think both players would even come back to the Saints for less money than they were being offered elsewhere. I’m not so sure that’s the case with Lance Moore.
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