Saints Gab

The Times-Picayune is reporting that the Saints may have interest in Jags DT Marcus Stroud, who is currently being shopped around by Jacksonville.  The team may look at giving the Jags a draft choice for Stroud, who could step right in and replace Brian Young. One concern for the Saints and other teams is the recent track record for Stroud, who missed seven games last season, four because of a suspension for violating the league’s steroid policy. He is also due to make $6.3 million this season, a team-high for the Jags.  Stroud is seven-year vet, and had three sacks and 22 total tackles in nine games last season.

The Washington Post is reporting that the Saints are about to grab themselves someone that could be a huge lift on their defense at the linebacker spot.  Reporter Jason La Canfora reported just a short while ago the following:  “Jon Vilma, is very very close to beaing dealt to the Saints (Sources said the Skins nosed around on him but nothing serious).”  If the rumor is true, it would be a great deal for the Saints, who need linebacker help and lost out on the derby to get Zach Thomas.  Vilma was a first-round pick of the Jets back in 2004, and simply does not fit their system.  Last season after suffering a knee injury he was placed on IR after 7 games.  He had 43 tackles.  In four seasons Vilma has 439 tackles and 2.5 sacks.  He should fit nicely into the Saints system.

The Saints re-signed guard Jamar Nesbit, center Jonathan Goodwin and wide receiver Terrance Copper on Wednesday.  Nesbit has started at left guard for the Saints the last two seasons and has played in 133 contests over his nine-year career.  Goodwin, who has also been with New Orleans for the last two seasons, appeared in 13 games and made two starts last year.  Copper posted 15 catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns over 15 games in 2007.  The four-year pro has 46 receptions for 600 yards and six TDs over 56 career games with Dallas and New Orleans.

While Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma cannot pay a visit to the Patriots according to sources, there was no stopping him from visiting the New Orleans Saints on Monday as he continues to take a look at possible new teams to play for.  The Jets are allowing Vilma to talk to teams about working out a deal to move on from the Jets to somewhere else.  The former first round draft choice was told by the Jets that he was allowed to talk to all teams but the Patriots.

The Saints are in the market for defensive help, as they talked to LB Zach Thomas, are reportedly the front runners for the race that will start on Friday to land CB Asante Samuel, and also have talked about former Panthers LB Dan Morgan, who was recently let go by the team.  Vilma would be a welcome addition as long as he can stay healthy.  In his four seasons with the Jets, he was solid when it came to making sure tackles, as he put up 115 in 2006, 173 in 2005, and 108 in 2004.

BlackAndGold.com reported the visit of Vilma to the Saints, but it wasn’t known if he was there for a physical, workout or to discuss a contract.  The Jets are going to want a draft pick for Vilma, but until the LB takes back an offer to them, it’s not known exactly what they are going to want for him.

As the clock ticks towards free agency, Fox Sports’ John Czarnecki says that the Saints are the front runners for one of the top free agents when the signing peroid starts Friday. That free agent that the Saints have the inside track on is corner back Asante Samuel of the Pats. Samuel wants a fortune – somewhere between $10 and $11 million per year, but it’s a number according to Czarnecki that the Saints are willing to pay. The Saints clearly need help in the secondary, and Samuel is the best out there – so if the shoe fits as they say – wear it.

The Saints on Friday signed wide out Terrance Copper to a two-year deal that will pay him a reported $2.75 million according to the New Orleans Times Picayune. “He could have gone into the (free agent) market, but he really likes it there,” agent Ronald Del Duca said. Over the past two seasons Copper has 38 receptions for 511 yards and four TD’s. Copper could find himself as the teams number three wide out in 2008 if they don’t make any major moves in free agency or the draft in that department.

After getting an offer from the Pats last week but not accpeting it right away, now there is word that another offer has been made to former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas. NFL Networks Adam Schefter is reporting that the Saints have given an offer to Thomas to join their team. They are in need of a middle linebacker, and he is a much better fit for the Siants and would be of more use to them then he would be in New England. Nothing about the offer in terms of money or years is known, but rumblings around the league are that the Saints are the front runners now to land Thomas.

Cornerback — The Saints’ backend was torched last season, giving up many explosive downfield plays. Starting CB Mike McKenzie was easily the Saints’ best cover corner. CB Jason David struggled to make the transition after playing in the Colts’ Cover 2 system. On top of that, McKenzie tore his ACL in his right knee in Week 16 against the Eagles. Jason Craft is a solid backup corner, while Fred Thomas is an unrestricted free agent and is not expected back. However, Usama Young is an intriguing young player who will play a stronger role in 2008. Regardless, the Saints still need a shutdown No. 1 corner.

Linebacker — The Saints’ linebackers are solid. They are led by SLB Scott Fujita but they are not explosive playmakers, especially at MLB. Even though he ranked second on the team in tackles, Mark Simoneau is best suited as a backup player with added value on special team’s coverage units. He is a smart, instinctive player who must be protected well within the box. Backup MLB Brian Simmons is a versatile player, but could not beat out Simoneau for the starting job throughout the season. Rookie seventh-round pick Marvin Mitchell lacks experience and contributed mainly on special teams.

Tight end — Head coach Sean Payton places a lot of emphasis on the Saints’ two tight-end packages. Starting TE Eric Johnson and backup TE Billy Miller are both unrestricted free agents. Johnson was a steady player who had more value in the passing game than running game, and Miller has better value as a blocker than receiver. With that said, backup TE Mark Campbell spent the season on injured reserve and is best suited as a run-blocker. The Saints could be even more dangerous on offense with a complete tight end.

Defensive tackle — If the Saints are going to improve their run defense, they must get stronger in the interior and improve their pass rush. Starting LDT Brian Young is a solid two-down starter in the right system for some NFL teams in a 4-3 scheme. However, he is an unrestricted free agent who battled through injuries throughout the season. NT Hollis Thomas is an effective run stuffer, but has stamina concerns as an every-down player. Backups Antwan Lake and Kendrick Clancy are solid role players who lack good pass-rush production.

Center — All five starters returned to the offensive line in 2007. However, C Jeff Faine and LG Jamar Nesbit are unrestricted free agents and could test the open market. Faine has been a solid starter over the past two seasons and has done a solid job stabilizing the interior of the Saints’ offensive line. Nesbit is a versatile player who is best suited as a backup. Reserve Jonathan Goodwin is a versatile player who can play either C or OG. He is an unrestricted free agent who could deplete the depth at both positions, if he leaves in free agency.

John Clayton of ESPN is reporting that former Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan will be paying a visit to the Saints.  Morgan was let go about a week ago by the Panthers after seven injury filled seasons in which he never played a full season.  There was some talk about Morgan retiring, but reports now say he wants to give it a go and show the Panthers that he can stay healthy.  Morgan’s best season came in 2004 when he played in 12 games, putting up 102 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.  The Saints need to upgade on defense and need a linebacker or two, but Morgan cannot be counted on to do much and should only be regarded as a possible backup.

Recently released linebacker Zach Thomas is about to go on tour. Visiting teams that is. Thomas was let go by the Dolphins last week, and despite only playing in a handful of games last season due to concussions, Thomas is being courted by a few teams around the league. Already set up to talk to Thomas include the Saints and Cowboys. The Cowboys play a 3-4, and even being a bit smaller, Thomas would fit their system. The Saints are in need of a middle linebacker, so again, Thomas would make a good fit there.

Last season the Siants used 31-year-old Mark Simoneau as their middle linebacker, and he wasn’t all that productive, only averaging 4.4 tackles in 16 starts. Thomas, when he was able to take the field averaged more than 10 tackles per game. Simoneau is bigger than Thomas, as he is 6-foot, 245, while Thomas is just 5-11, 228 pounds. But, one source said in the Palm Beach Post today that the Saints are the best shot for Thomas.

Thomas threw out there a couple of teams he’d like to play for, which included three top AFC teams – the Colts, Pats and Chargers. Problem is, none of those teams are quite in the need of linebackers like the Saints and Cowboys. He knows right now he’s just a short-term answer for a team. “I’m not a long-term answer going anywhere,” he said. “I’m a short-term answer. I want to enjoy my last year, maybe two years. Who knows?”