The Saints’ roster currently sits at 85 with the signings of rookies Mark Ingram and Martez Wilson, along with Courtney Roby announcing that he’s coming back to the Saints as well. That means a total of 3 moves yesterday? Wow. Talk about slowing the pace significantly. Just kidding.
Cameron Jordan is the only rookie left to lock up, but there’s still a slew of free agents left to re-sign. Carl Nicks is technically in limbo as a restricted free agent, but he’s been tendered and will either sign his one year deal or maybe ink a bigger extension if the Saints decide to tackle that. While Jordan would only leave 4 remaining roster spots, I’m sure the Saints will let some of the young players that are roster long shots go as they start to bring in veterans. Most notable of the players that are still free agents are C Jonathan Goodwin, FS Darren Sharper, FB Heath Evans, TE David Thomas, DT Anthony Hargrove, DE Jeff Charleston, LB Marvin Mitchell, T Zach Strief, and DE Jimmy Wilkerson. I expect at about 5 of those 9 players back in black and gold. I would say the highest priority of this group, BY FAR, is David Thomas. The Saints are thin at that position after getting rid of Jeremy Shockey, and the Saints desperately need depth and experience behind talented but raw and green starter Jimmy Graham. I may be in denial but I still think Heath Evans will come back, and I remain cautiously optimistic about Goodwin. Marvin Mitchell and Zach Strief and key backups that will come back unless they get an opportunity to start elsewhere. I’m surprised Hargrove hasn’t garnered much interest elsewhere, but I still think he’ll leave. I think Charleston could come back, but I don’t expect the Saints to re-sign Sharper or Wilkerson.
I also feel a little uncomfortable…
about the defensive tackle position right now, where the Saints need to add depth. Behind Shaun Rogers and Sedrick Ellis, there’s a few no name players and that’s it. If either one goes down the Saints would be in big trouble. I’d like to see them address depth there before they go into the season exposing themselves to being completely unable to absorb an injury at that position.
The position I feel best about is safety. With the return of Roman Harper, the Saints can trust their two starters coming back and playing at a Pro Bowl level. Behind them, I’m excited to see what Jonathon Amaya and DeAndre McDaniel can offer, and of course we already know what Prioleau and Reis are capable of.
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