What you missed this week with the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints wrapped up another successful week of organized team activities, and we give you the ten biggest headlines of the week for the black and gold.

Michael Thomas impresses Drew Brees

"“If you take a guy who is smart, tough and has a great feel for the game, understands body position, and control, then he’s never really covered,” Brees said. “There’s always places he can use his body where you can throw it where it’s him or nobody. Again, that’s great confidence for a quarterback knowing that I’ve got this outlet, I got this guy that has this range and this feel.”"

R.J. Harris shines at OTAs

"“He’s smart and made a really good play down the sideline in that last team period,” coach Sean Payton said. “We saw some of that even a year ago, and it’s good to see a player like him in his second year showing signs of progress and obviously playing with a lot more confidence because he knows what he’s doing.”"

James Laurinaitis sees tremendous culture change with Saints

"“You went to a situation there in St. Louis where we had to try climb out of it. Then you get to here and you hear 7-9 is just not acceptable. It’s awesome to be around that, that hunger. Heck, you get to practice with one of the best offenses in the league every day. It naturally makes you better.”"

Tom Benson’s empire must go to trial

"In a decision made public Friday, U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo denied a request from Benson’s opponents in the case to rule in their favor without listening to witness testimony and oral arguments, which are scheduled to start June 20 and last about five days."

Nick Fairley’s ‘good visit’ led to signing with the Saints

"“When I came in and met with the coaches, I got a good vibe with D.A. (Dennis Allen, the defensive coordinator) and coach (Sean) Payton,” he said. “When I sat down with them, I felt good.”"

Saints easing Damian Swann back into swing of things

"“It would be much like we would treat any other injured player,” Payton said. “He’s progressed well, he’s doing well, he’s got his weight back up a little bit. He took a period of time where he was back at Georgia taking spring classes on his degree. Yeah, to answer your question, we would treat him much like a player who’s out here with an injury.”"

Cardell Hayes had gun-in-hand, shot when Will Smith went for weapon

"Hayes told an off-duty New Orleans Police Department officer, Christopher McGaw, that he grabbed his silver .45-caliber handgun as the occupants of the crashed vehicles spilled out onto Sophie Wright Place and launched into what the rookie officer described as an increasingly “desperate” altercation."

Could the Saints reunite with Roman Harper?

"“Don’t be surprised if the Saints take a look at signing Roman Harper. He’s a familiar face who would add veteran presence in secondary.”"

Drew Brees is no longer a Top 5 quarterback, according to CBS Sports

"He’s older and not the same guy he used to be, but he’s close. He led the NFL in passing yards, continuing to roll up big numbers."

Former Saints tight end Henry Childs passes away at age 65

"Former late 1970s Saints All-Pro tight end Henry Childs has died at the age of 65, according to a Tweet by his niece, Ty Monroe. Medical details surrounding the cause of his passing are still to be determined."