Converted Free Safety Usama Young (pictured) and backup tackle Zach Strief were both tendered by the Saints today, a move which likely signals the return of both players to the Saints in 2010 (story HERE). While neither move comes as a surprise, Strief and Young both qualify as very valuable role players and backups that helped build the current team’s foundation. The move is a good one as it’s a step towards securing both players. Strief played a significant amount of time this year as an extra blocker off the edge, and Young provided both depth in pass coverage and standout play on special teams. Young also filled in this year for Darren Sharper at free safety on occasion and was impressive, recording an interception.
With the tenders they’ve offered each player, the Saints can now match any offer made by another team that tries to pluck either player from the Saints’ roster. If the Saints decided not to match in that case, they’d get a 2nd round draft choice in return for Strief and a 3rd rounder in return for Young. It’s hard to imagine teams will be willing to make that kind of trade, so my bet is both will sign their qualifying offers.
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