Why are we paying Nick Easton (2 Viewers)

[DavidM]

How would I have addressed Unger's sudden retirement? By doing what the Saints did in the draft. It wasn't simply "fortune" that they got him. They targeted him and made their move.

There weren't any good options at the center position at that time in the free agent market. The fact that we needed a center didn't change that. You can't just spend money on someone and have him be good because you need one. I said as much at the time.

Nonetheless, there are several players at guard I would have been interested in, without Easton's injury history. I can't remember them all but one was John Miller. For example, he was at least an okay run blocker. Easton is not and the Saints tacitly admitted that when they benched him for Will Clapp in the tackle eligible role.

And if we spent less than Miller (again, can't remember the names, sorry), I wanted to use the savings to improve the depth at tackle as well, which we still have not done. Thank God we've gotten away with that so far.

The Saints weren’t going into the draft with an unaddressed need at center, so the conversation really has to be who, other than Easton, they could have signed at that point to pencil in at the position.

 

[WxM]

The Saints weren’t going into the draft with an unaddressed need at center, so the conversation really has to be who, other than Easton, they could have signed at that point to pencil in at the position.

You can't manufacture a player. If there isn't one, there isn't one. If they wanted to sign a body, they could have signed any one of a number of guys, and didn't have to throw $15 or $20 million, guaranteed or not, to do so. Or, they could've simply said they felt confident with the people in house, regardless of where they were or not, in order to help combat the perception from other clubs that they had to have a center in the draft.

 

[DavidM]

You can't manufacture a player. If there isn't one, there isn't one. If they wanted to sign a body, they could have signed any one of a number of guys, and didn't have to throw $15 or $20 million, guaranteed or not, to do so. Or, they could've simply said they felt confident with the people in house, regardless of where they were or not, in order to help combat the perception from other clubs that they had to have a center in the draft.

It wasn’t a matter of sending signals and posturing, it was about hedging bets at a starting position. Unger’s retirement created an urgency and Easton was arguably as good a candidate as there was at that point who could play center. Nothing about the situation was ideal, but this front office often does what they can to address needs via FA, to the extent possible, to cover their bases and stay flexible in the draft. It’s a sound strategy.

 

[WxM]

It wasn’t a matter of sending signals and posturing, it was about hedging bets at a starting position. Unger’s retirement created an urgency and Easton was arguably as good a candidate as there was at that point who could play center. Nothing about the situation was ideal, but this front office often does what they can to address needs via FA, to the extent possible, to cover their bases and stay flexible in the draft. It’s a sound strategy.

It seems you continue to miss the point. I don't object to the strategy. I object to the player. There weren't any centers available to execute the strategy with. You don't spend money just to say you did.

 

[BoNcHiE]

He is not a good run blocker at all. If you don't believe me, believe the Saints when they repeatedly sat him so Clapp could be the tackle eligible.

Tackle eligible is a pretty different spot than playing guard. Easton graded out very high Sunday run blocking.

 

[LonghornSaintsFan]

I have been quite vocal with my displeasure with the Saints paying Nick Easton what they are. One game doesn't change my opinion, especially a game which played to minimizing his weaknesses. But he did a very good job Sunday and I hope he proves me wrong.

And maybe he isn't as good as Peat but there is nothing wrong with having more depth. Why do you think he was signed? Did you see last years O-Line go from great to battered like a domestic violence caller? Because that is what happen injuries built up. Having Depth is NEVER EVER bad to have.

 

[WxM]

Tackle eligible is a pretty different spot than playing guard. Easton graded out very high Sunday run blocking.

Except Will Clapp is also a guard playing tackle eligible. He is playing it because he is a better run blocker.

Regarding Easton, one game does not a career make. I will continue to defer to the body of work he has put forth until he sufficiently proves otherwise.

 

[WxM]

And maybe he isn't as good as Peat but there is nothing wrong with having more depth. Why do you think he was signed? Did you see last years O-Line go from great to battered like a domestic violence caller? Because that is what happen injuries built up. Having Depth is NEVER EVER bad to have.

Never said he was as good as Peat. Actually I don't think Peat is that good either. Of course we need depth. Just don't think Easton is it. Again, hope he proves me wrong.

 

[Clintonrebel]

I guess we signed him to play the Bucs. Ha. This thread is so bad it needed to be bumped up. Congrats to Easton on a nice game.

 

[DavidM]

It seems you continue to miss the point. I don't object to the strategy. I object to the player. There weren't any centers available to execute the strategy with. You don't spend money just to say you did.

No, I understand you don’t think Easton is a capable center, nor do you think there was a better player available at the position at the time. We disagree about his addition to the roster.

 

[Vermont Saint]

He is not a good run blocker at all. If you don't believe me, believe the Saints when they repeatedly sat him so Clapp could be the tackle eligible.

And yet, somehow, he stumbles his way into helping the Saints run for 100 + yards against one of the best run fronts in the NFL. He's lucky, I guess.
And he doesn't play tackle, which is likely why he will never be the tackle eligible. Of course, Unger never played tackle eligible either. Hmm.

 

[LonghornSaintsFan]

Never said he was as good as Peat. Actually I don't think Peat is that good either. Of course we need depth. Just don't think Easton is it. Again, hope he proves me wrong.

We are paying him to play right now he showed up against the Bucs and when we needed him. Brees was barely breathed on by the Bucs D-line we need more of that.

 

[TD2]

La’el Collins wasn’t signing with any team but the Cowboys. It is what it is. LSU fans can’t accept that he didn’t want to be in Louisiana anymore.

Very true but you could have burned a 6th or 7th on him. I said at the time it was worth it take the gamble. Just don’t let him sign his contract until after he was cleared. Not like anyone after pj Williams is still on the roster from that draft class....