Thursday, February 11, 2010

Saints Nation: The New Orleans Saints Offseason Looms


Lots to think about as we prepare for another long and sometimes boring offseason.

1. Unrestricted Free Agents in order of importance: Darren Sharper, Scott Fujita, Kendrick Clancy, Mark Brunell, Billy Miller, Pierson Prioleau, Darnell Dinkins, Dan Campbell, and Nick Leckey. These guys are all free agents and free to test the market and sign with any team they want.

2. Restricted Free Agents in order of importance: Jahri Evans, Pierre Thomas, Jammal Brown, Roman Harper, Lance Moore, Anthony Hargrove, Mike Bell, Jermon Bushrod, David Thomas, Remi Ayodele, Courtney Roby, Zach Strief, Usama Young, Jeff Charleston, Chris Reis, Marvin Mitchell, Leigh Torrence, Kyle Eckel, Anthony Waters, Rodney Leisle and Tory Humphrey. If the Saints want any of these players back, they can have them, so this list is of less concern. I'd expect (hopefully) Evans and Thomas at the very least to both get long term deals. Keep in mind the Saints will have first rights to any of their restricted free agents, and should another team sign them away they'd have to give the Saints a draft pick as compensation.

3. The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 22nd through April 24th. For the first time this year the draft will start on Thursday at 7:30pm Eastern. The first round will be completed then, followed by the second and third rounds being done on Friday at 6:30pm. The rest of the draft will be completed Saturday. More info on the schedule can be found here. The Saints will pick 32nd in the 1st round.