The news that the Saints have used their franchise tag on quarterback Drew Brees is good news to guard Carl Nicks.
Nicks told the New Orleans Times Picayune that he was stressed about the possibility that the franchise tag could keep him from testing the market, and that he’s now relieved he knows that he’ll have the opportunity to talk to every other team on March 13.
“Now I kinda know how free agency will go,” Nicks said. “The anxiety’s still there, but I’m a little calmer.”
Nicks hasn’t received an offer from the Saints yet, but he said he’s still hoping that he and the Saints work out a long-term deal before free agency starts.
“It would be nice, definitely,” Nicks said. “It’d be just perfect. I wouldn’t have to stress, I’d just worry about handling my business.”
But it appears more likely that Nicks will be testing the market when the market opens.