His cap hit isn't near 10 million per year. I think with their recent weight gains, Smith and Grant would do well in a 3-4 defense. It just might revitalize them.
The main problem I see with running 3-4 sets is we'd have to get three new LBers.
Neither Grant nor Smith are 3-4 DE's, I am sorry. I know Grant had an off year but he and Smith are basically the same type of player. You put them at DE in a 3-4 scheme they just won't make it, nor will they have an impact.
And no his camp hit isn't 10 million but his deal averages 10 million per year (20 million of that was bonus money). Tell me how many 3-4 DE's get 20 million gauranteed?
Anyone that wants either Smith or Grant to play DE in a 3-4 system is bascially trying to put square pegs into round holes. They don't fit, you take away what makes them good players.
If you want a 3-4 (and the Saints coaching staff doesn't at this time) you have to start over. We have NO linebackers that fit, we have a NT that might fit, we have no DE's (infact our best fit at 3-4 DE might actually be Lake).
I know the dome patrol brings back memories, I know everyone wants to get back to that type of defense. However, you can have a good defense and not run the 3-4 (teams do it everyday). Right now we are structured for the 4-3, thats a concret fact.