Tag: New Orleans Saints (Page 22 of 55)

      It makes sense for the Saints to keep Bush

      February 25, 2010 /

      After weeks of speculation that he could be dumped in a cost cutting move this offseason, Mike Lombardi of the NFL Network is reporting that the Saints aren’t even contemplating releasing running back Reggie Bush.

      Bush is set to make $8 million in 2010, which is a lot of loot for a team to spend on a part-time player. The Saints also have 21 pending free agents (18 of them are restricted) that they have to decide whether or not to bring back and an extra $8 million in salary relief could go a long way this offseason.

      That said, the Saints just won the Super Bowl and Bush is good for at least 10 touchdowns a year in some capacity. As he proved against the Cardinals in the playoffs, he’s a game changer if he gets enough touches and he’s liable to take one to the house every time he gets his hands on the ball.

      Teams have a very small window to win the in NFL because of the amount of turnover that occurs from year to year. The Saints already have a Super Bowl roster and while Bush will no doubt be overpaid next season, he’s still a viable commodity to New Orleans’ offense. Even though that money could definitely be used elsewhere, it makes sense that the Saints would want to hang onto Bush for one more year and make another run at a Super Bowl while they still have the talent to do so.


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      NFL

      Darren Sharper upset with Saints

      February 23, 2010 /

      Darren Sharper, who is an unrestricted free agent, is a little miffed after the Saints told him that they wouldn’t use their franchise tag on him this offseason.

      From NFL.com:

      “They said they want me back, but if you want someone back, why are you going to let them test the market?,” Sharper said in a telephone interview Tuesday. “I don’t know how much they want me back if they’re allowing other teams to bid for my services. Being in this situation before, if a team is willing to let you test the market, they’re willing to let you go.”

      Sharper did say that he hopes things will work out with the Saints, but also noted that he won’t come as cheap as he did last year ($1.7 million). He didn’t have many suitors last offseason, but he’s coming off a Pro Bowl season and says that he has “a couple of good years” left in him.

      Personally, I think Sharper is being a little too sensitive here. Had the Saints used their franchise tag on him, they’d have to pay him $6.455 million next season, which is way too much – even for a player as productive as Sharper was. It’s not that they don’t want him back, they just don’t want to pay a 34-year-old safety over six million when he was clearly motivated last year while playing on a one-year deal. It just doesn’t make much sense financially.

      Chances are, Sharper will wind up back in New Orleans as long as the Saints offer him a fair deal. Like Sharper said, he knows the system and the Saints were much more successful with him in their defensive backfield than they were without him. But he has to step into their shoes and understand that they’re not going to shell out upwards of $6.5 million to retain an aging safety.


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      NFL

      Will the Saints look to trade Bush this offseason?

      February 9, 2010 /

      One of the main questions that the Super Bowl champion Saints will need to answer this offseason is whether or not they will retain Reggie Bush for 2010. He’s still under contract for another year, but he’s due $8 million, which is hefty price tag for a part-time player.

      Bush has never shown the ability to consistently run between the tackles and his durability is always a concern, but he will still be a hot commodity if the Saints decide to move him this offseason. He’s a threat to score with the ball in his hands, is a dangerous punt returner and is also the very definition of a playmaker. Some team would want him if he were to become available, especially if New Orleans agrees to pay part of his salary (or even if they don’t).

      I can’t help making the obvious connection between Bush and the Seattle Seahawks, who recently hired former USC head coach Pete Carroll and who are in desperate need of offensive playmakers. If anyone knew how to best utilize Bush’s talent, it would be Carroll and offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates.

      But let’s get back to the original question: Will the Saints look to move Bush this offseason? An outright release seems unlikely given that he’s only 24 and still adds value to their offense and on special teams. He proved his worth in the playoffs and even at $8 million, he’s worth 10 touchdowns a year in some capacity.

      The problem is that the Saints have 18 restricted free agents, including Bush’s fellow backfield mate Pierre Thomas, All-Pro guard Jahri Evans, safety Roman Harper and offensive tackles Jermon Bushrod and Jammal Brown. Even in an uncapped year, $8 million would go a long way for a team that needs new deals for the aforementioned starters, not to mention unrestricted free agents like Darren Sharper and Scott Fujita.

      The Saints have an interesting dilemma on their hands this offseason when it comes to whether or not to retain Bush. Considering they just won the Super Bowl, now isn’t the best time to start ripping their team apart but $8 million is a lot of dough to give one player when a team has 21 pending free agents to worry about.


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