New Orleans Saints and NFL: Top News and Video Clips
By Keith Null
"Based upon stats from ESPN’s Pat Yasinskas, they’d also like to re-sign free agents Carl Nicks and Marques Colston. And, if there’s any money left, they’d like to keep Robert Meachem and maybe Porter even though the Saintsare in good shape at cornerback with Dwight Robinson and Johnny Patrick ready for more playing time. Two defensive standouts are candidates for restructured contracts or release, Will Smith is scheduled to count $10.15 million against the cap. He’s their only top pass rusher and could free up $6.15 by releasing him."
"Where is Mike Ditka when you need him? The St. Louis Rams certainly could use him. After Robert Griffin III’s superhuman performance at the NFL combine, it’s St. Louis – not the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins or Miami Dolphins – that has become his biggest fan. With ESPN reporting that the Rams will trade the No. 2 pick in the 2012, we’re about to find out how well the Rams front office can play poker. Is Phil Helmuth available as a consultant? If running back Ricky Williams was worth the New Orleans Saints’ entire draft to the Washington Redskins in 1999, then let’s start the bidding for RG III at two years’ worth of draft picks!"
"A source with knowledge of the situation tells us that the two sides continue to talk, but that a deal is not yet done. The challenge for both sides, as it was a year ago for the NFL and the NFLPA, will be to come to an understanding as to when the clock strikes 12 on getting a deal done. Using the tag gives the Saints more time. But it also potentially sets the stage for Brees to miss offseason workouts, training camp, and the preseason."
"If the Colts decline to pay Peyton Manning his $28 million bonus on March 8, he’ll become the most intriguing free agent in NFL history. But he’ll hit the market with one big question hovering over him: How’s he throwing? It could be some time before a prospective employer has any sure sense of how the nerve regeneration that affects Manning’s arm is going and will come out. Will teams wait? Will they pounce? It’ll be incredibly compelling. For now, here’s a team-by-team rundown from our NFL bloggers and Scouts Inc.’s Matt Williamson on the interest level we expect from the rest of the league."
"Donovan McNabb, who knows a thing or two about playing for the Redskins under owner Daniel Snyder and coach Mike Shanahan, says there’s no way the Washington Redskins will get Peyton Manning, should Manning become a free agent. “Peyton’s not gonna go there,” McNabb said recently on ESPN Radio’s John Thompson Show, via The Washington Post. “I don’t see Peyton ending up in Washington. Because what happens is now, you’re bringing in another veteran who will be 35, 36, who has been in one offense throughout his career. It’s the same situation."
"Benson, who’s rushed for at least 1,000 yards each of the past three seasons, is set to become a free agent next month and might not be back in Cincinnati for a fifth year. That would leave the Bengals with Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard, Cedric Peerman and whomever they select in April’s draft. “It’s not a bad way to go,” Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden recently told the team’s official website. “Keep guys fresh. They play longer, they’re involved. … If something happens to one, you know you’ve got a guy that can come in there and be productive. Where you’re not relying heavily on one guy and if something happens to him, you’re like, ‘Oh God, this guy doesn’t have many reps.’ “"