The New Orleans Saints have announced that 13 of the team’s 18 potential restricted free agents have received qualifying offers.
They are: defensive tackle Remi Ayodele, defensive end, Anthony Hargrove, offensive tackle Jammal Brown, offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, offensive tackle Zach Strief, safety Roman Harper, safety Chris Reis, safety Usama Young, linebacker Marvin Mitchell, wide receiver Lance Moore, wide receiver Courtney Roby, tight end David Thomas, and running back Pierre Thomas.
The Saints did not specify the amount of the tenders; Mike Triplett has reported the specific levels for Bushrod (second round), Strief (second round), and Young (third round).
Omitted from the list are running back Mike Bell, defensive end Jeff Charleston, fullback Kyle Eckel, and guard Jahri Evans. Since the period for applying the tenders doesn’t expire until next Thursday, the Saints can still make the required offers to one or more of the other players for the next seven days. As to Evans, our guess is that the Saints are trying to sign him to a long-term deal; as to Bell, it could be that the Saints are prepared to let him walk.
And that would open a spot for LaDainian Tomlinson on the depth chart.
This says that linebacker Marvin Mitchell was offered a qualifying offer and then in the next paragraph states that linebacker Marvin Mitchell was omitted from the list.
I’ll be your new editor.
Dallas is gonna be fun in February…
Mike Bell is gone. That’s what you get for ignoring the coach’s instructions to WEAR YOUR CLEATS before the game and then slip and fall on your ass on a goal line rushing attempt IN THE SUPERBOWL. Just watch the NFL films piece on the 1st half of the game when Payton chews Bell out afterwards. CLASSIC. Way to go Mike. That one play is the difference between launching your career with the Saints or another team and ending up as practice squad bait (or out of the league) in a year.
As for Jahri Evans? One of the best RGs in the league. Expect a multi-year contract announcement by week’s end (i.e., all you fans of other teams in desperate need of upgrading you O-Lines can stop drooling…you hear that Chiefs fans?).
Why would the Saints sign LT for more money than they can retain Bell for? They still need a big banger for RB to go with Thomas and Bush and LT isn’t that big.
Again I’d rather have seen them let Usama Young go and keep Bell, but I have no doubt if Bell walks he will get attention from other teams looking for another back.
LT to the Saints. That’ll make heads explode all over the NFL, especially the ones who have been hating on them since they started the season. Hear that Florio?
Seahawks should go after Jahri Evans.
Yup, I said Saints when you posted the original 8. It only makes sense with the durability of their current backs. Not to mention the cost of Bush. No way is he getting the 8 mill this year.
Well, the absence of a deal for Mike Bell opens up money for the $9mil Reggie Bush will require to resign
DonTerrelli, Reggie Bush is still under contract for another two years. There is no re-signing Reggie in 2010.
Stone, the Saints FO will pay Reggie. They may restructure his money, but he won’t take a pay cut.
FumbleNuts, sorry, but take Jahri off of your drool list. he’ll be a Saint for at least 5-6 more years. Expect a new long term deal announced before 3/5/10.
The Lions need to make a run at Bell. He would complement Kevin Smith very well.
Ty@lionsinwinter, you out there man? Are you with me on this one?
I agree. Mike Bell will be gone. He pretty much disappeared from the game plan the last few regular season games and post season and it wasn’t because of injuries. Not sure how he got on Peyton’s sh** list late in the season after being fairly productive earlier on. Take it to the bank that Loomis keeps this O-line intact. Evans went to the Pro Bowl this year. No way they let him walk.