Free Agency News

By James Parks | 247 Sports

The defending NFC South champion New Orleans Saints have been busy this offseason.

Some notable players, household names even, have seen their tenure with the team come to an end, while a number of talented, experienced veterans will be coming to the team in 2019.

The starting offense and defense will both have a few new faces and names on the field.

Mark Ingram and Alex Okafor are no more in New Orleans after the running back and defensive end departed the team in free agency, and tight end Benjamin Watson retired from football.

In the meantime, the Saints made a number of acquisitions on both sides of the ball and on special teams, in a bid to repeat as division champions and get back to the playoffs.

Here is a rundown of the Saints’ biggest gains and losses so far this offseason.

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By Josh Katzenstein, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley intends to sign his restricted free agent tender when the team reports for the offseason workout program next Monday, according to a league source.

The Saints offered Crawley the original-round tender last month before free agency began, a one-year deal worth about $2 million that gave the team right of first refusal if another team signed him to an offer sheet.

The NFL’s deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets is Friday (April 19). To this point, Crawley has yet to receive another offer, and the expectation is that he won’t before the deadline.

Full Story - NOLA.com

By James Parks | 247 Sports

This offseason, Sean Payton said that the New Orleans Saints would be looking at the defensive tackle position, in particular, as in need of an upgrade before 2019 kicks off.

Sheldon Rankins injured his Achilles during the playoffs last year and David Onyemata is looking at a potential suspension to start the season after an arrest.

The Saints scouted a replacement in former New England Patriots starter Malcom Brown, who came to New Orleans as a free agent.

Brown was a former first round selection made by New England out of Texas in the 2015 NFL Draft, and the player has been with the Patriots organization for his entire career until now.

In his 60 game NFL career, Brown has started 51 contests, recording 186 tackles, 8.5 sacks, has forced one fumble, and has recovered three others.

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By Chris Dunnells | CSC

Our friend Levi Damien over at SB Nation’s Silver and Black Pride on the Oakland Raiders, was kind enough to answer a few questions about one of the new additions to the New Orleans Saints: TE Jared Cook.

Jared Cook had a career year in 2018, posting season bests across the board. Was there a sign this was coming in 2017, or did his 2018 performance come out of nowhere?

There were signs. They began in Green Bay in 2016. If you look at what he did over the final few games of the season for the Packers once he returned from his injury, he was playing at an elite level. He continued that play into the postseason, including the catch along the sideline against the Cowboys that earned the Packers a trip to the NFC Championship game and that playing winning an ESPY.
Cook may not have had the Pro Bowl numbers in 2017 that he did in 2018, but he still led the team in receiving, so he was clearly already Derek Carr’s favorite target. His jump in success in 2018 had a lot to do with Jon Gruden’s offense which features the tight end a lot.

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By John Sigler | Saintswire

Former New Orleans Saints nose tackle Tyeler Davison signed a free agent contract with the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, leading Saints defensive end and team captain Cameron Jordan to share his thoughts. Jordan wrote on his official Twitter account:

My guy (Davison) not returning hurts, he gave his all every time he hit the field. Free Agency sucks sometimes especially losing him to that red and black team. Salute to my guy the last (four years) putting in the work with us. Continue striving my guy.

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By Maurice Moton | B/R

As Arizona State head coach Herm Edwards said, you play to win the game, but veterans also want adequate compensation. Among players, there are two goals: victories and cash.

NFL players will use negotiating tactics and leverage to push for a pay raise. On a basic level, veterans must accrue three years of service before they're eligible for an extension. Beyond that, production and, in some cases, a threat to hold out will lead to a new deal. Running back Le'Veon Bell took his stance a step further and missed an entire season for long-term financial security.

Free agency rewards talents for their hard work and dedication to the game. This offseason, defensive end Trey Flowers signed a massive five-year, $90 million pact with the Detroit Lions. Safety Landon Collins inked a six-year, $84 million contract with the Washington Redskins. Quarterback Nick Foles raked in $50.1 million in guarantees from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Who's primed for a mega payday in 2020?

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By Staff | The Advocate

Tyeler Davison is staying in the NFC South, but it won't be with the New Orleans Saints.

The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday afternoon that Davison signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans' biggest rival. Davison reportedly visited with the Falcons earlier this week on Monday.

Davison played for the Saints for four seasons, serving as a starter for the past three. In 2018, Davison played in 14 games, starting in 12. He recorded 23 tackles, including two tackles for loss. He also had three quarterback hurries and a pair of sacks.

The Saints selected Davison in the fifth round of the 2015 draft out of Fresno State.

Full Story - The Advocate

By Josh Katzenstein, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

Cornerback P.J. Williams agreed to a new deal with the New Orleans Saints last week, and details of the contract have finally emerged.

The Saints gave Williams a one-year deal worth $2.25 million, and all of the money is guaranteed.

The deal includes a $1.4 million signing bonus as well as an $850,000 base salary, and the base salary is guaranteed even if the Saints cut him for injury, skill or salary cap related reasons.

Full Story - NOLA.com

By James Parks | 247 Sports

It’s already been a busy offseason for the New Orleans Saints.

The defending NFC South champions have been among the more proactive teams in the league in the past several weeks, announcing a number of prominent acquisitions on both sides of the ball, and allowing a few household names to leave as free agents.

Already, running back Mark Ingram, the Saints’ record holder for rushing touchdowns and nearly the franchise leader in rushing yards, has left the team that drafted him in favor of the Baltimore Ravens, and Alex Okafor departed for Kansas City, as well.

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