re: According to Jason Cole, Saints working on Will Smith restructure

While I agree with a lot of this, I think for the right price, his leadership can be valuable. He's always been a heavier DE and played decent against the run. I think allowing him to put on a few pounds and focus primarily on that could help. He's a smart guy and I think keeping him around might prove beneficial. Again, for the right price

Someone pointed out in another thread that Smith played this same exact position under GW when they went with 3 man fronts. GW actually ran a lot of that. And Smith was moving inside to DT some last year, which is another sign he can handle the 3-4 end spot.

I only want him sticking around as a backup and only if it makes more sense to restructure than take the hit from releasing him. But I completely disagree with the notion that he can't play 3-4 end.

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makes more sense to restructure than take the hit from releasing him

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That's not going to happen without signing him beyond the 2014 season or him giving back some of his guaranteed money....and do you really see either happening? The guaranteed money is already spread out for the last two years. Here's a breakdown of the remaining two years on his present contract.LINK

He's due roughly 5.5 million in guaranteed money this year and roughly 3.5 million next. If he were to sign for the minimum (and forget that, he can get more than the minimum) and you pro-rated his existing bonus (and I don't think it can be pro-rated unless he's cut, could be wrong) it would still come up to roughly 5.5 million. He can be cut now with the bonus to be pro-rated over two years for a 4.5 million hit this year and next.

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The only thing I can think of is that there is a way to keep him that makes more sense than taking the cap hit from releasing him.

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Well sure, if they think he can be viable in a 34. They're on the hook, no matter what for the guaranteed money, so forget that. It now becomes a matter of do they think he's worth X amount of dollars and cap space as a 34 end. He's obviously not going to get 9 mil. in salary from anyone this year. What exactly would he come back for?

He did play some 34 end under Williams but that was over a year ago and well under half the time. Can he do it on a regular basis? And even if he can, does he project better than some of the other guys already on the team? And don't forget, he still has enough skill to start on some of the 43 teams but does he for a 34 team? And if he can't start on a 34, how important to still be starting is it for him? Lot's of questions this offseason. Fun, ain't it?

As big or bigger, younger, as strong or stronger and quicker.....not to mention, cheaper.

oh okay.. well since they all played sparingly last year(save for Smith and Jordan) I see your point.

If Walker or Tom Johnson makes the starting lineup or plays more than Will Smith this year, remind me to off myself.

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Sorry if I don't off myself about being wrong, though. Whether I'm reminded to or not.

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Oh, good God.

I can see you can't a good natured ribbing so I'll leave you alone.

oh yeah, I forgot already. Basically, if Will Smith blows arse this year, I'm a dead man.

aaahhh shite.

Never thought it would end this way.

Tequila.

gave up beer for lent.

which makes me wonder, I'll bet Rob Ryan could kick all of our asses in a beer drinking contest.

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If Walker or Tom Johnson makes the starting lineup or plays more than Will Smith this year, remind me to off myself.

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Really? From what I've seen from them they've been disruptive. That's what we want right? Or do we want an over paid fat arse that'll escort himself and one blocker out of the play?