Welcome to another fine edition of WWL-TV.com’s Mailbag. We got some good questions this week.
Several were about Julius Peppers and whether the Saints would pick him up or not. The short of it is, no, Chicago got him. The other short of it is that the Saints couldn’t have signed him anyway until they lost another unrestricted free agent. The key to that, though, is that they can only sign another UFA up to the salary that the UFA they lost signed. Peppers would not have come here.
Other questions were about Scott Fujita. But before the mailbag could get unleashed onto the interweb, he signed with Cleveland.
“Where is the Lombardi Trophy being displayed?”, Brenda Joyce Cammon, Norco
Brenda, the easy answer is at the Saints’ Airline Drive facility. However, team officials said the decision about whether it will displayed for public viewing in the lobby, per se, has not been completely figured out. There also hasn’t been any decision made as to whether the trophy will make the rounds locally or state-wide, much as the Stanley Cup does in the NHL.
“What are the chances of bringing quarterback Jake Delhomme back home to New Orleans?”, Brian Murry, Metairie
At this point, I’d say chances lie more on the not back in New Orleans side than on the bringing him back side. Delhomme, while he loves it in New Orleans and spends time here during the offseason, isn’t ready hang up his starting spikes just yet. There are still teams out there that could use a good transition quarterback while rosters are made over. Specifically, I’m thinking of Seattle and Arizona, which might not be quite ready to hand the keys over to Matt Leinart. However, if Delhomme realizes there are no starting positions out there, he could definitely find his way back to the bayou.
“I believe someone will take Pierre Thomas and give up a two. I believe the Saints need a "power back" that can get the two or three yards for the first down. Is anybody out there Free Agency wise that you can think of? I don't believe the draft would answer that need immediately. Second question: Considering the Saints having a tough strength of schedule outside the division, with Grant, Fujita, Ellis, Simoneau and possibly Sharper leaving us, I'm sure the Saints have plans, but that seems to be a pretty big hit on the defensive side which still wasn't strong between the 30's last year.”, Sally, Northshore
Sally, first, thanks for the questions. Sorry I had to cut some of it out. We’ll get to your final question at a later date, the one about cutting salary for the cap (which doesn’t exist this season). Now, onto your questions. To answer the first one, I think at this point Thomas’ tender is enough to keep him in New Orleans. There is a bevy of running backs available and the only running back on the roster right now getting looks is Mike Bell. People like his price – they don’t have to hand away draft picks for him. Thomas is a good back and he’s more powerful than I think we give him credit for. And even if Bell doesn’t stick with the Saints, Lynell Hamilton is on the roster and he’s a solid, young power back.
As for your second question, Sedrick Ellis will return. He’ll be in the third year of his rookie contract. I don’t expect Darren Sharper to land anywhere else right now. Mark Simoneau hasn’t played for two seasons. Charles Grant was barely noticeable on the field the past two seasons. Scott Fujita is the only on that list right now who isn’t coming back who will have a big impact on the defense. I would expect the team to upgrade on the defensive line through free agency and the draft. It’s the top priority right now and would make a huge difference between the 30s.
“I noticed the Saints are bringing in three excellent defensive linemen. I think it's a good way to go. Sign all three of them for one year and play them as they produce. A lot of defensive experience there. What's your opinion?”, Billy Gore, Kenner
My mailbag came out a little too late to discuss all three linemen. Jamal Williams was supposed to come in on Tuesday for a visit, but instead signed with Denver. Former Panthers defensive lineman Maake Kemoeatu, rumored to be interested in New Orleans, just signed with Washington. That leaves Leonard Little and James Hall as possibilities. I would certainly sign one of them. The one lingering issue with Little is that he has mentioned in the past that retirement is an option but it sounds like he’s ready to play at least one more year. Little was productive this past season in St. Louis, finishing with 23 tackles, including 6½ sacks and an interception. But you’re thought of signing all of them would make sense in a cap-less season, though I’m not sure that’s what the Saints will do.
