OPINION
Certainly the news that most Saints fans are talking about right now is the surprising move of linebacker Scott Fujita to Cleveland.
Fujita over and over again talked and proved to this area how much he loved New Orleans. Half of his Super Bowl bonus is going to coastal restoration.
That’s not a move someone who doesn’t have an interest in bettering an area makes.
But you can’t fault Fujita for going to greener pastures.
And by greener, I mean more money.
He signed a contract with the Browns for a reported $14 million with $8 million of it guaranteed. It also can reportedly be worth as much as $16 million if certain criteria are met.
The Saints weren’t going to offer him that much and for a player who will turn 31 at the end of April, this is likely his last major contract.
Fujita is a family man and this all but sets him up for his future with his wife and children.
Did he want to leave New Orleans? No.
Did New Orleans want to him to leave? No.
Nevertheless, both are now set up for the future.
For the Saints, they’re losing a trusted locker room leader. They’re also, however, able to get younger at the position as well as more athletic.
Think Jonathan Casillas, an undrafted rookie the Saints picked up prior to the 2009 season who they really love. Or Jo-Lonn Dunbar, the hit of the 2008 season.
Both are young and athletic and can play the position right now.
Just as important, though, is that the Saints can now get into the free agency game. Fujita was an unrestricted free agent and under the rules of this year’s NFL, the Saints couldn’t sign a UFA until one of their own left.
And because Fujita signed a contract worth $14, the Saints can sign another UFA for a contract up to that amount, not that there’s a huge get out there at outside linebacker.
But it opens the door for the Saints to grab a defensive end or a defensive tackle.
The point is the door is now open for the Saints to dive in free agency.
Regardless of what happens, though, Fujita made a positive impact on the New Orleans and the Saints. Fans should be happy they got a chance to see a player and a person like Fujita come through the Crescent City.
