I listed the 2013 Saints’ free agents in order of importance and obviously a lot has happened since this post on January 31st. I thought this would be a good time to revisit these players and see where each of them stand.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:
1. Jermon Bushrod, LT: Signed with the Chicago Bears for 5 years and approx $36 million. The Saints are currently left with Charles Brown as the starting left tackle until they find a replacement.
2. Courtney Roby, WR/ST: Re-signed with the Saints to undisclosed terms over the weekend. This was an important and necessary move.
3. Elbert Mack, CB: Still a free agent. Would like to see the Saints bring him back for depth.
4. Chase Daniel, QB: Signed with the Kansas City Chiefs for 3 years, $10 million. The Saints will need to get a backup to replace him.
5. Jonathan Casillas, LB: Signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 1 year, $3 million. I don’t think he would have been a good fit with the system change to a 3-4, so this is not a huge loss, but depth at linebacker will be necessary with the loss of both him, Shanle and Will Herring (released).
6. Sedrick Ellis, DT: Still a free agent. I don’t see him returning.
7. Turk McBride, DE: Still a free agent. Could be brought back as a backup, but that’s currently low priority.
8. Devery Henderson, WR: Still a free agent. Could be brought back but I sense the Saints will move on. He could possibly retire.
9. Scott Shanle, LB: Still a free agent. I don’t see him returning. Could see his career as possibly over.
10. Ramon Humber, LB: Re-signed with the Saints to a 1 year deal.
11. William Robinson, T: Still a free agent. Will probably come back at least as a camp body.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:
1. Brian de la Puente, C: Tendered at a 2nd Round Level. I can’t see any team making a run at him at that level, so he should sign the tender soon.
2. Junior Galette, DE: Re-signed with the Saints for 3 years. Will likely be moved to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
3. Chris Ivory, RB: Tendered at a 2nd Round Level. Unless he’s traded, that should be enough to keep him.
4. Justin Drescher, LS: Re-signed with the Saints for 4 years. No brainer.
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