In this episode we will try to give our own input on the first 24 hours of free agency. It will also contain some hopes and dreams that will possibly be destroyed or be reality by the time this goes live. Let us hope we can use this as a time capsule to see how many dreams have already come true on Friday.
Marijn Pessers (@Monedula_)
So to start of with the thing that sucked the most for me, a destroyed dream if you will, the Saints were not pursuing Mohamed Sanu. Even worse, the f@ckons (did I misspell that?) were hosting him and have signed him already. He was a guy that I could see be the perfect replacement for Colston. Now instead we have to play against him twice a year. I have hopes that Kearse, who Andrew Juge is high on, might still sign with the Saints. I have added him to my Dynasty fantasy league already, just in case.
So Brian, is there any disappointment on your end of the world?
Brian Bauer (@SaintBrian9)
I’ve long rattled in these pages about how great a fit I thought Ladarius Green was for Sean Payton’s offense, so as you can imagine, when they signed Coby Fleener, I was less than thrilled. When I found out Green got a considerably more team friendly deal with Pittsburgh than the deal we gave Fleener, that didn’t go over so well with me. Despite Mr. Juge’s critiques of Green, I think his upside is Jimmy Graham like … on the flip, I think Green’s ceiling is a lot closer to what the Saints had in Jeremy Shockey. Was that terrible? No. Was it Jimmy Graham? Certainly not. Fleener never evolved into what Indy had in mind when they drafted him, and I don’t really buy the argument that our offense gives him a better chance to succeed; he played in Indy, who boasts a wide open offense with several weapons, with the guy he played with in college (Luck) and he still couldn’t get in front of Dwayne “I’m always hurt” Allen? Does not sit well with me AT ALL. Anyway, I’ll let that rest. I’ve been wrong before, sure hope I’m wrong again.
MP
I am double biased on Fleener. I think if any Tight End wants to play anywhere it is in Paytons system or at the Patriots. Other teams just can’t use them well. So I think he will do better then at the Colts. Also I have him on my dynasty fantasy team. That is nice. But I think the money is a lot. For that money the Saints could have gotten other players.
So tell me. What do you like so far?
BB
What did I like from day one … ? Hmmmm. That’s a harder question to answer. It was nice seeing the Saints take care of their own, I’ll say that much. Bringing back Cadet was a fine move, as was allowing Robinson to leave, especially with reports of a Hightower reunion upcoming. Actually, for me, the Sanu signing was probably my favorite move. I actually think Sanu, despite showing flashes, never lived up to the potential he showed coming out of college. He played alongside AJ Green, and yet still had to fight Marvin Jones for playing time. And then the clincher … 5 years at 32.5M???? Yeah, enjoy that Atlanta. You just bought the new and improved version of Harry Douglas, approaching a Dez Bryant price tag. Nice get! Sorry Marijn – I wasn’t high on him in the saints offense, and if he HAD to get overpaid, who better than those putzes up the road.
How about you?
MP
Nothing much that I liked to be honest. The Saints have not address many situations of need. They are still in the dark about the Guard position, who will help out at D-line and what Weak Side LB are you getting to start when Ellerbe is hurt again? I did like teams overpaying for players. Olivier Vernon, who started crap last year (that is when I dropped him in Fantasy) is getting over 10 million a year guaranteed. What a ridiculous price. But then again, it would have been nice if he was playing for the Saints. That made me sad again since there is no way the Saints can get even in the vicinity of that with their cap situation. Though I did like the Saints taking care of the TE position. That one is locked up now, starting free agency, I mean legal tempering day, without any on the roster, they are set now. The RB situation is also being addressed. I did not like the Cadet signing as much, but I do like Robinson going. He was not such a nice locker room guy and he is getting way too much payed at the Jets who just love to sign injury prone Saints. Good for him. Oh and to be complete, I have Robinson on my fantasy team, so I hope he does good at the Jets. Probably a better place then in NOLA.
BB
I’d say otherwise, I’m a little confused at the slow approach they’re taking towards guard and a couple of key defensive positions. I get it, money is tight and so many of the guys that have signed thus far have done so for a king’s ransom. But come on, we have to get in the game here. Boone would have a been a great pick up, as would Sweezy (also, best name ever). I worry that what’s left isn’t necessarily a huge upgrade but will likely be a large price tag. I would also add that while it’s a little further down the needs list, would it kill them to go after a lower end WR? Cooks is awesome and I like adding to TE (even if I didn’t like the SPECIFIC TE), but someone with a little more experience could certainly help this unit …
MP
The Saints are no longer a real contender in the eyes of a lot of players. I can’t remember which player, but I heard he signed with a team that offered him 3 million while others offered 6. The Saints are just not that alluring any more. So they can not get the guys for the money they have. They do have a chance in the next 2 years or so, as long as Brees is around. So a player that is willing to come and give it a shot, is someone that would have like 2 or 3 years left. A 30 year old vet or 2. That is who I see the Saints sign within the next 3 days. It will solve depth and immediate need. Still I hope they go Shaq in the draft Just read they had an interview with him… As did 4 other teams.
One position we did not talk about; Kicker. Any comments on that?
BB
I think it’s far from over. Obviously, you’re looking at an open competition between Forbath and Scobee … but I could definitely still see them drafting a guy late and making it a three way. My french is rusty Marijn … what’s that called again?
MP
“Menage a trois” I believe. But Juge is the real Frenchie here (he lived the first years of his live in Paris as far as I know). I only live 1 hour drive away from French talking people… I don’t know much French. I am fluid (no typo) in French in the bathroom after eating 4 day old Chinese food. Yes, to me it sounds like verbal diarrhea.
Back on topic, I am with you on drafting that one guy… Forgot his name. The one that everyone talks about. What do I know? I am not Ralph, but who knows a kicker’s name anyway!? After drafting, cut the other 2 and bring in Carney as a coach to teach the kid. I hate kicker battles on the Saints.
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