July 27, 2012; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper (41) during training camp at the team

It’s been a long time coming, but it appears New Orleans Saints veteran safety Roman Harper has finally restructured his massive contract that has been weighing down the team this offseason.

The news shouldn’t come as a surprise with Harper set to see less playing time than usual thanks to the addition of rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft.

There are no details surrounding the transaction yet, but the report comes from NFL.com’s official transaction page.

NOLA.com’s Larry Holder has the details of Harper’s old agreement:

Harper was set to make $5.25 million in base salary this season while holding a $7.1 million cap number. Already $2.6 million of Harper’s base salary is guaranteed this season as the contract stipulation was triggered on the third day of the league year in March. He’s also slated to make a $6 million base in 2014 and would carry a $7.9 million cap figure next season.

It’s an important move for the franchise and one everyone saw coming. The Saints were flirting with being over the cap after signing rookies. Depending on how much cash the team just freed up, the front office will now have some injury insurance money and potentially enough to pursue another free agent.

A league source has confirmed #Saints‘ Roman Harper signed a restructured deal yesterday.

— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) May 24, 2013

The details aren’t official yet, but when they are, be sure to check back with us as we’ll have them posted as soon as we learn them.

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July 29, 2012; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Charles Brown (71) works with the blocking sled during a training camp practice at the team

Charles Brown is a very important piece to the success of the New Orleans Saints next season with Jermon Bushrod gone and rookie Terron Armstead the only other viable option at left tackle in front of Drew Brees.

Brown is off to a false start so far this preseason as he’s been unable to participate in OTAs due to an undisclosed weight lifting injury. Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com was the first with the scoop:

Saints Coach Sean Payton didn’t specify as to the nature of Brown’s injury, only saying that it occurred in the weight room during the offseason.

The Saints were short on tackles at the end of last season after Zach Strief sat out with a groin injury and Brown was sent to injured reserve with a right knee injury. Rookie Bryce Harris was also sent to injured reserve late in the season.

The news should be very concerning to Saints fans. As Terrell pointed out, Brown struggled with injury issues toward the end of last season and has during the entirety of his time with the franchise.

Practicing in Brown’s place during the first session was Jason Smith, the man who has bounced around the league after failing to live up to expectations. He’s a bust in the utmost sense, but at least the coaching staff is getting an early look at how he could potentially contribute with the team.

We’re firm believers that Armstead, despite being a rookie, is probably the best option at left tackle for the Saints in 2013 thanks to his elite athleticism. As the preseason wears on we’ll get a better idea of how things will shake out at the left tackle position with Armstead.

Right now, Brown is certainly not helping himself any, but it’s early. Less depth along the line during camp is a bad thing considering how thin the position has been hte last few seasons, so the sooner Brown heals up, the better.

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Dec 18, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton takes off his cap as his team plays the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Saints win 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints is now the highest paid coach, not only in the NFL, but in our great country as we know it.

The question now becomes, is Payton worth what he’s making?

Chris Smith of Forbes.com recently listed the highest paid coaches in American sports. Not only is it the first time on the list for Payton, he also takes home the No. 1 spot:

 Payton usurped the Patriots’ Bill Belichick as the highest-paid coach in American sports when he signed a five-year deal that pays an estimated $8 million annually. The contract offer came after Payton, who led the Saints to their first ever championship in 2010, was suspended for the 2012 season for his purported involvement in the Saints’ bounty scandal.

Payton of course has a storied history with the Saints and has brought home one Super Bowl title. The problem is, he’s higher on the list than Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots, a man who has brought home three Super Bowl victories.

The large number for Payton is of course skewed by the impact of the Bountygate penalties  but at some point one has to wonder when enough is enough in terms of cash doled out for a head coach.

Payton joined the Saints in 2006 and to date has accumlated a 62-34 record while bringing in three NFC South championships and a Lombardi Trophy. He’s now tasked with navigating the franchise out of the bounty-filled waters and back into contention.

It’s safe to say Payton better be worth every penny with the massive task set before him.

We want to hear what you think! Vote on whether or not Payton is worth the cash in the poll below or let us know on Twitter @whodatdish or  on Facebook.