All Things Saints: Your Daily News 2/12

Nov 3, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton calls a play against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets won the game 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s an interesting tidbit I found from Rotoworld yesterday:

"Saints OLB Victor Butler could have voided the 2014 season on his contract by playing 57.5 percent of New Orleans’ 2013 defensive downs."

I’ve made some claims stating that the Saints should keep tabs on Parys Haralson, as he was a key addition for the Saints last season once Butler went down. Should Butler return at 100%, it could make the Saints already fierce pass rush even better. Let’s just hope Ingram doesn’t hurt him again.

Katherine Terrell | NOLA.com | New Orleans Saints have eighth weakest strength of schedule in 2014

"The New Orleans Saints are tied for the eighth weakest 2014 strength of schedule, based on the 2013 results of their opponents. For comparison, going into the 2013 season, the Saints had the third most difficult strength of schedule based on 2012 results. The Saints finished 11-5 in the regular season."

Well, you know that despite what a strength of schedule says, there is nothing given in today’s NFL. The Saints have their hands full with their opponents for 2014, and we have seen plenty of teams rebound after a bad season. One thing is certain, the Saints would love to have another 8-0 stand at home. They’ll host the Ravens, Packers, Bengals, 49ers, and Vikings in addition to their normal NFC South foes.

Mike Triplett | ESPN.com | Free-agent spotlight: RT Zach Strief

"If the Saints lose Strief, I could see them turning to third-year backup Bryce Harris, who has shown some potential in that sixth lineman role the last two years. Or young backup Marcel Jones or a new draft pick could potentially compete for the job. I doubt the Saints would spend significant money on a veteran free-agent replacement."

Triplett states early in his article that the Saints fan base doesn’t appreciate Strief as much as national analysts do. I have to echo that. The emphasis on the offensive line always focuses on the left tackle spot, because it’s the quarterback’s ‘blind side’. I did state in a mock draft that the Saints should look at OT Zack Martin as a potential first round pick. Should the team lose Strief, you can bet that the first round pick will be spent on an offensive lineman. Bryce Harris would start if Strief goes, however, for security reasons, it would make sense to grab one with a pick.