In addition to high-profile players Jimmy Graham and Malcolm Jenkins that are scheduled to become free agents in March, four members of the New Orleans Saints are restricted free agents-to-be.
Safety Rafael Bush, fullback Jed Collins, defensive end Tom Johnson and receiver Joseph Morgan are restricted free agents that the Saints could tender contracts offers to in an attempt to keep them on the roster for next season. By extending an offer it would allow the Saints either a right of first refusal or draft pick compensation (depending on the level of contract tendered) should the players accept a contract offer from another team.
However, at least one member of that foursome will not be getting an offer from the Saints. According to Tom Pelissero of USA Today, the Saints will not tender an offer to Johnson, which will make him an unrestricted free agent on March 11.
Johnson has appeared in 40 games over the last three seasons for the Saints. Johnson has picked up two sacks in each of the last two seasons as a rotational player for New Orleans. However, the lowest contract amount the Saints could offer in a tender for next season would be around $1.4 million. It’s likely the Saints don’t feel Johnson is worth that amount, even if they’d like to keep him on the team for next season.