Offer Made to Bartell

nice triplett update:

The Saints slowed down their pace on the third day of free agency Sunday, not signing any players, new or old. But they're not done shopping.

They made a contract offer to free agent cornerback Ron Bartell, according to a league source, and they are evaluating at least two free agent safeties, Gerald Sensabaugh and Darren Sharper.

Sensabaugh continued his visit with the Saints on Sunday. There was no word on whether he left with or without an offer. Sharper is scheduled to visit with the Saints today, according to a league source.

Bartell, 27, is mulling offers from at least two teams -- the Saints and his former team, the St. Louis Rams. The four-year veteran likely won't come cheap. He is rated as one of the top up-and-coming young cornerbacks on the free agent market.

The 6-foot-1, 209-pounder has been a starter for the past two years in St. Louis, and after some bouts with inconsistency, he had a breakout season in 2008. He had an NFC West-low 60.2 passer rating on passes thrown his way, and he finished with a flurry, snagging three interceptions, forcing two fumbles and getting a sack in the final five weeks.

Sensabaugh, 25, has been on a similar rise in his four-year career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 6-foot, 204-pounder had his best season in 2008 under the tutelage of new Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, tallying 70 tackles and four interceptions.

Sharper, 33, is at the other end of his career, but the four-time Pro Bowler still is an effective playmaker who would provide leadership and savvy. The 6-2, 210-pounder has 54 interceptions and nine forced fumbles in his 12-year career with the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.