re: Let's just get down to who the free agents can be

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So, my question to you is: 1) Would you rather make $20 million/year and finish 7-9 year in and year out or 2) make $10 million a year and be a contender? All this while already having made $181.7M over 16 years

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I'd rather make $20 million/year as my paycut doesn't make the team draft better. It doesn't make FA signings better, etc.

This is a false dilemma that keeps being repeated on here.

The saints spent more money on defense this year than the Patriots by a long shot when you take in dead money.

Manning had a larger cap hit with the broncos from 2012-2015, yet they were able to surround him with weapons and build one of the best defenses ever.

If I were in Drew's shoes and I was making $20M a year and the team was still struggling I would consider restructuring and taking less. HOWEVER, when I see $12+M in dead money in 2015, $40M in dead money in 2016, and $9M in dead money n 2017 (before the cuts even start); I know my contract is not the problem and I will be inclined to continue to be paid a reasonable salary while the team fixes their own shite. I would be willing to bend so much.

But, with that said this entire discussion is pointless when you actually look at the big picture. Drew's cap hit in 2016 was $17.25M (which ranked 15th amongst QBs) and his cap hit in 2017 is set to be $19m (currently ranked 14th). So he has obviously already taken a cut and is now paid as an average QB in the league. His contract is not the issue

yeah, can ya'll direct the Brees pay hijack to another thread please

Zeitler would elevate the O Line to elite IMO

rotoworld-

The Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Dehner "continue(s) to feel confident" the Bengals will not retain free agent RG Kevin Zeitler.
Based on what he's heard, Dehner expects the Bengals to prioritize re-signing free agent LT/LG Andrew Whitworth and let Zeitler walk. It's a curious approach -- to be kind -- considering Whitworth is in steep decline at age 35 while 27-year-old (in March) Zeitler is one of the best young guards in football. Dehner believes there's only a "30 percent chance" Zeitler returns to Cincinnati. Zeitler is Rotoworld's No. 1-rated free agent interior offensive lineman. Feb 9 - 10:31 AM

not much really, has had some injury dings, my impression that he is more of a traditional full service LB rather than the quick twitch edge speedster kinda guy.

If you scan through their blurbs throuhout the years on rotoworld ya can get some ideas. One arrest and was considered on the roster bubble in '14

HERE

Let me just say that there is a lot being said in this thread.

1) Hightower is going to resign--either franchise tag or new deal.

2) I believe a Fairley deal will get done. Present him a fair offer. He likes playing close to home and family in Mobile. Means a lot to him.

3) Brees deal. I agree with a lot that is being said about the contract and worry also about spending $20 million a year on the position. But I will say the following points.

A) When Brees first got his 20 million, the salary cap was much lower. at that time 20 million was about 30% of the cap, the 2017 cap is expected to be between 166-170 million. So a 20 million dollar deal is now closer to 12% or lower using 170 million.

B) Teams with the higher cap QBs have won because they were stacked with 2nd and 3rd year players that made significant contribution while on the cheap. Yes you need a strong FO for that. Something we have not seen in NO. Say 4 years in you are still getting contributions from (4) of your 2013 draft and (5) from 2014-2016. Then during the 2016 season you have 19 players on rookie deals add in a few Undrafted players you have built 40% of your 53 man roster on the cheap.

C) The Bust from the past. Were they bad decisions or bad Luck. Some of both. If you are Brees at least they are trying to find the right combination.

Why did you leave Guard off this post?

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Why did you leave Guard off this post?

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feel free to add, was thinking more in relation to the 1st Rd draft pick. I don't see that being a guard possibility. Pick up Melvin Ingram and we're downgrading Barnett, Charlton, Thomas, etc

Most of Tripplet's articles seem to indicate the Saints will at least make an effort for JPP or Ingram.

If it gets out of the 13-14 million range I could see them going after someone like Charles Johnson and then focus on signing Zeitler and a legit CB.


I think ideally, We would sign Charles Johnson to a 2yr deal, sign Zeitler long term and then snag a legit CB.

All that can be done realistically with our cap room.

But if we make a serious run at JPP then I don't know if we would be able to add BOTH a legit Guard and Corner.


But you never know, the Giants fit Vernon and Jenkins in at just $21 mil. I think the Saints can do something similar.

He's still a premier pass rusher. It's just a question of can the Saints pay his price tag and still get viable free agents. And I don't think so

There have been a few articles about Cincy having to let him hit the market because they have too many players to sign. Add that to the fact that this is a weaker O-line draft makes me hope they make a strong push at the top guard that hits the market.