Offline
I have heard it from a good source that Deuce has been already contacted about restructuring. Don't know how involved the talks have been, only that some dialog has been exchanged. They would like too keep him, however, they realize its not likely he is going to return to form after two major knee injuries. They do think he can still be an effective 10-15 carry back, just not a 60+ million dollar franchise back. Don't know what they would do if Deuce refuses, however personally I think Deuce would be very receptive with the recent injuries.
My personal take on our free agents or potential contracts with soon to be free agents.
Colston: Will most likely get a new deal soon. He has been a beast and definitly deserves more than what he is making. The most recent contracts to go off of were Kevin Curtis of the Eagles (6 year 32 million with 9.5 gauranteed) and Reggie Wayne (6 year 40 million with 13 gauranteed). I would probably expect something similar to those deals. The cap hit all depends on how it is structured. What is actual signing bonus, roster bonus, salary ,etc. Colston's agent might also want to wait to see what kind of deals potential free agents such as Randy Moss, Bennard Berrian get to reference off.
Will Smith: Even though we heard praise from Gibbs on Smith's performance I still am not sold on shelling out top DE money after last year. Regardless of what some people think about him, we just gave Charles Grant big money and got less than expected performance from him. Personally I would wait until next offseason, or during the season to see if Smith and the defense can bounce back. If he does well and you can't get something done you can always franchise him.
Aaron Stecker: I guess it all depends on the market. It shouldn't be high, but some team desperated for a running back could offer more than that Saints are willing to give. I think Stecker brings good things to this offense, but nothing that I would call irreplaceable. We still have Reggie and Thomas along with what we assume will be a healthy Deuce. If need be we could always sign another mid-tier runningback or grab one in the draft in the mid round. I would try to re-sign him, but dont' think he can't be replaced.
Brian Young: I definitly re-sign him, giving him a deal similar to the one we gave Hollis Thomas. 3 years 11-12 million. He is at least a valuable part of the D-line roation and at times, when healthy a very good 3-tech that can get pressure on the QB.
David Patten: He was the best offseason free agent. He came in, caught 54 passes for almost 800 yards and was one of Drew's favorite targets. Definitly re-sign and I think he stays for a reasonable amount to stay productive in this offense.
Terrence Copper: Valuable special teams man that can fill in at WR when needed. Definitly re-sign if the price is not inflated.
Eric Johnson: Valuable player, that minus those two costly drops at Houston, played well. Had more yards, receptions than all our TE's two years ago. Is a much better player than Billy Miller (though Miller has his place). Was very productive in his 1st year as a Saint. The only thing that scares me is his injury history, which came into play late this year. But besides LJ Smith, seems to be the best option on the market.
Billy Miller: Vaulable backup player that can make plays when needed. Definitly try to bring him back in for depth.
Regardless, even if we give Smith a new deal, Colston a new deal. Re-sign every free agent we have, we shouldn't take up any more than 10-12 million in actual cap space, leaving plently of room to sign a couple defensive play makers and add through the draft.
great info on Duece and great take on the free agents.
So, I assume you think we will not resign Goodwin, Faine, or Nesbit? Personally, I would resign Goodwin to start, let Faine and Nsbit go, and sign Alan Faneca to play LG and to be a veteran leader for the line. Faneca also can play all 5 line positions.