The New Orleans Saints finished out their final round of organized team activities. With another week in the books, we take a look at the ten biggest stories from the week.
"It was just a week ago that Alex Marvez hinted on SiriusXM NFL Radio that the two could reunite, as he said, “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.”Harper was reportedly spotted at the Saints team facility last week, as noted by The Advocate’s Nick Underhill."
"The New Orleans Saints effort to revamp their defense took a hit after defensive end Hau’oli Kikaha suffered a torn ACL during practice earlier this week, according to a source.It’s not immediately clear which knee he injured, but the pass rusher suffered two torn ACLs while in college at the University of Washington.It’s not immediately clear how things will work out on the defensive line. New Orleans began reaching out to some free agent players earlier this week, according to a source."
"“I look around the locker room and I know more coaches than I do players,” Harper said. “So I’ve really gotta dive in … and get to know guys and show ‘em who I am and show them the way of winning.”“The younger guys, they need to feel success; they need to know what it smells like,” Harper said, referencing another 2009 mantra. “[We need to] get this city buzzing again.”"
"The New Orleans Saints will reportedly travel to Houston for two joint practices with the Houston Texans before the two teams face off in a preseason game on Aug. 20, according to the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain."
"It was nearly a month ago when the news first broke of Griffin joining the team. However, there was a setback involving a two-year military commitment for Griffin, which was to begin with time in Wyoming serving as a missile maintenance officer. Underhill added that Griffin still needs to be cleared by the Air Force to play, and that a ruling has not been made."
"“Sean [Payton] says this all the time, confidence is born of demonstrated ability,’” Allen said. “He demonstrated last year that he belongs in this league. So it’s kind of given him a little sense of confidence, but yet, I think he still feels like there’s more meat left on the bone for him to get better.”"
"According to realtor.com the four-time pro bowl offensive lineman, released by theNew Orleans Saints at the start of the 2016 offseason, has put his home in Destrehan, Louisiana on the market. For $768,000 you can be the proud owner of a Saints legend’s former home."
"“Until you sit in that seat, you don’t really see the whole big picture,” Campbell said. “It just makes you respect a guy like coach Payton that much more, because you realize you have to deal with the logistics of dining, to setting up practice, to how we’re going to practice, the way we practice, to the meetings, to motivating your team."
"“The injury was frustrating,” said Murphy, who returned 28 punts for an average of 9.3 yards. “I thought I might be able to get some opportunities out of the backfield. But things happen. I just want to come back this year and pick up where I left off and keep pushing.”"
"Terron Armstead, Drew Brees, and Cameron Jordan all represent the black and gold. According to Ruiz, the list is designed to project which players will be the best for the upcoming season. It has nothing to do with last year’s performance, and takes into account any injury concerns."
