All Things Saints: Your Daily News 2/18

Dec 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) is sacked by New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette (left) and outside linebacker Parys Haralson (98) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans defeated Tampa Bay 42-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Today is a

Mike Triplett | ESPN.com | Free agent spotlight: OLB Parys Haralson

"Scouting report: The Saints probably got about exactly what they expected from Haralson last year when they acquired him in a late-August trade with the San Francisco 49ers for a seventh-round pick. He was a solid member of the rotation — primarily in run packages — while playing 37 percent of the Saints’ snaps."

I really love the fact we got so much value out of Parys Haralson. I think Marshawn Lynch didn’t miss him in the divisional matchup. I believe that’s where Haralson was missed the most, and ultimately where he proved to be a huge addition for the Saints. For those reasons, I placed Haralson at #7 on my Free Agent Rankings. Here’s what I said:

"2014 Outlook: I think Haralson should be back on the team, there’s no question about it. Yes, the team is due to get Victor Butler back, but Haralson is a huge presence as a run-stuffing linebacker. If he’s okay with a decent contract ($1.5-2.5M sounds right) and keeping his role on primarily rushing situations, this would be a huge win for the Saints. I’m a huge fan of Haralson, and you have to appreciate his contributions for a guy who didn’t play in 2012 due to injury."

Adam Caplan & Mark Brunell | ESPN.com | Challenges In Franchising Jimmy Graham

Katherine Terrell | NOLA.com | New Orleans Saints, Jimmy Graham on the clock as franchise tag period opens

"A neutral arbitrator would hear the case if it got to that point, which is something that has been considered in the past but never actually happened. Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs contended he was a defensive end in 2008, but a deal was worked out. St. Louis Rams’ tight end Jared Cook, then with the Tennessee Titans, wanted to be tagged as a wide receiver last season, but the team let him walk in free agency instead of tagging him and going through a contract fight."

Graham will continue to dominate the headlines for the New Orleans Saints. I wonder if the team has any hidden money lying around in a piggy bank. I think I speak on behalf of every member of Who Dat Nation when I say we want this crap to be done with.