Saints coverage and the NFL http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints were looking to trade for TE Jeremy Shockey and their second round pick was what was discussed in a trade.. but instead they selected CB Tracy Porter. The Saints needed another corner and he is a good one. Shockey still could be traded but the odds are down a bit http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Patriots got the Saints #10 overall pick in round one as well as their 3rd round pick... the Saints got Ellis and the Patriots 5th round pick. Much less costly for the Saints than the rumors that were swirling of them getting up higher for Dorsey http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have traded up with the Patriots from #10 to #7 to select USC DT Sedrick Ellis. They have to be happy as they wanted to move up for a top defensive tackle and they got him at #7 where the cost is a little less. He will improve the interior of their line to go along with the talent they have on the outside and keep the opposing lineman off their new linebackers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Glenn Dorsey goes to Kansas City #5 overall... while I love the pick and he is a great value here, if the Chiefs were really offered the Saints #1 this year and their 2nd this year as well as their number 1 next year they should have taken the offer! They would miss out on the d'line in round one, but could have gotten a tackle and corner and would have added another #2 this year. Now look for a corner at #17. Dorsey will be a huge addition to the middle of the Chiefs defense and despite what we said this was a great pick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Giants TE Jeremy Shockey still is a member of the New York team but don't expect him to be one after this weekend. He has worn out his welcome and the Saints are very interested... the question is the price. Reports have the Saints sending a second round pick for him, but this may not be announced until they are on the clock, or the Saints may try and lower the price. A hunch... look for a deal overnight between round two and three for a third round pick tomorrow and another pick next year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Ok here is our final 2008 NFL Mock Draft. Glad we got the first pick right and guaranteed not to get all 32 thanks to the Patriots, but never came close anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints are looking to move up in the first round... all the way to #2 and the thinking is they are after local product DT Glenn Dorsey. Forget the cost of moving up, forget the cost of paying the pick... they Saints have admitted they are looking to move up. It's an interesting move to go up and get one of the premier players. Maybe not the smartest move but they are being bold. A few months ago Dorsey was considered by most to be the best player in the draft. Some injury issues and the usual draft process pushed him down a bit but he is still a force inside. The Rams and Falcons have been contacted as have other teams, but if it's Dorsey they want, it's likely those two teams they will have to deal with. If they can't get there the questions is will they move up for Sedrick Ellis as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net So it's time to release our first 2008 NFL Mock Draft - another will come Friday before the draft. There is lots of intrigue and different scenarios and some trades will factor in of course, but we'll take a look where things are at now. See our 2008 NFL Mock Draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Lions have signed former Saints LB Alfred Fincher http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a 2 year deal with former Redskins QB Mark Brunell to backup Drew Brees http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints have signed former Panthers LB Dan Morgan, who if he is and stays healthy would be an improvement to their linebacking corp, but that isn't likely likely. Injuries have derailed his career. Last year it was his Achilles' tendon that limited him to 3 games and he has had problems with concussions as well... not good for a linebacker http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints have resigned WR David Patten http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints have signed former Jaguars DE Bobby McCray to a 5 year deal worth $20 million... to be a backup? Will Smith and Charles Grant are the starters, seems the Saints liked what they saw from the Giants and their pass rush last year. He had just 3 sacks last year but 10 the year before. The Saints have the expensive group of ends http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Patriots are losing their secondary quickly, first Asante Samuel and now Randall Gay has signed with the Saints. It's a 4 year deal worth up to $17.8 million or at a minimum 2 years and $6.7 million. Gay shined as an undrafted rookie for the Patriots and started in the Super Bowl that year, but only started 3 games last year. The Saints signed Jason David last year but that move blew up, now they add someone with good experience and a hometown guy to try and improve... improve yes, dramatically no http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints have resigned WR Devery Henderson and released LB Brian Simmons http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints are not done and they are shopping on the corner now... yes with the Patriots but not only Samuel, they are also looking at Randall Gay and Drayton Florence. Gay is also getting interest from Tampa, Seattle and Atlanta http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have landed Jets MLB Jonathan Vilma for what is believed to be a conditional 4th round pick in 2009 that can upgrade to a third. Vilma is in the final year of his rookie contract which kept the cost down. The Saints will try and work out a long term deal now or they are renting him for the year. They also resigned DT Brian Young to a 3 year $12 million deal and linebacker Mark Simoneau to a 3 year deal worth almost $5 million http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Free agency always make some scratch their head at the over priced deals and players who get picked on the previous get hyped up. For the moment we pick former Cowboys corner Jacques Reeves who is far too popular on the first day of free agency with the Bucs, Saints, Rams, Chiefs and Texans all in hot pursuit of someone who will play with a target on his back. Funny the Saints are in it, didn't they have the same thing happen last year with Jason David. If he goes to Tampa or Kansas City he may ft better in their Tampa 2 defense which won't make him run and cover deep as much http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Bucs continue to improve their offensive line, landed former Saints center Jeff Faine who will become one of the highest paid centers in the league. The comedy here is the Browns signed LeCharles Bentley a couple of years ago and made him the highest paid center (how did that work out) and Faine went to New Orleans to replace him. Now the Saints lose him to Tampa... in the end the Browns would have been much better locking Faine up to a much cheaper long term deal two years ago http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Philadelphia Eagles are the early favorite for Patriots CB Asante Samuel, but the Saints and Bucs are players too. The Saints interest may be fading a bit and that would be good for the Eagles but the Bucs have more cap room than anyone so they certainly can make a big offer and put a lot of money up front http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Linebacker Jonathan Vilma is done with the Jets and it was speculated the Lions would be the team to trade for him to play in the of their Tampa 2, but now it seems the Saints may swoop in and land him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints have been linked to Asante Samuel and they will be a player in what will be a very short race come Friday, but if he lands elsewhere look for the team to quickly move to Drayton Florence of the Chargers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Bucs are looking for a tight end in free agency and while they have checked into Alge Crumpler, keep an eye on the Saints Eric Johnson who is an excellent receiving tight end and capable blocker as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans got a head start on their own free agents agreeing with guard Jamar Nesbit and center Jonathan Goodwin. According to ESPN Goodwin received a 3 year deal for $8.5 million deal with $3 million guaranteed... that would make him the starting center replacing Jeff Faine http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Eagles could be players early in free agency. Look for them to make a play for Patriots CB Asante Samuel, the Saints are also big players but don't count out a couple of AFC East teams in the Dolphins and Jets. The other target for the Eagles early will be DJ Hackett who would fit the system coming over from Seattle http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Ah yes tax time is near and the pain of seeing how much money we fork over to cause deep pain in our stomachs. Then of course there is all the good that comes from it, such as members of congress spending the day listening to the he said she said of Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee (don't forget Andy Pettitte too) and now a new wonderful word "Nannygate", ugh what has this world come to? Add to that Arlen Specter grilling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over the spygate issue, threatening congressional hearings and the league's antitrust exemption. Do these blowhard's not have anything better to do with their days??? Do we not have any serious issues to be tackled in this great country that we have time to bicker and seek headlines with this crap? Hey guys call me when you fix the economy, health care, homelessness in this rich country and a list longer than.... then we can get around to which retired baseball players did what. Other than Barry Bonds the rest of this is ridiculous and makes me not want to pay attention to the sports we all love so much. This country has become addicted to soap opera's and reality crap where everyone wants their 15 minutes. It's not like this is all brand new, the Steelers of the 70s admittedly used steroids and they certainly were not alone but no one is calling to take back their Super Bowl wins. Lester Hayes is probably my favorite corner of all time, but he reported used something to help him get a better grip. Can we all just move on and focus on trying to fix things rather than going over the top about the past. Either way Roger was dominant, the Patriots were superior and as much as it pains us Bonds was a Hall of Famer before they all crossed the line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Colts assistant head coach and QB coach Jim Caldwell is a popular man right now. He has been a target of all the head coach openings with the exception of Miami. However his most likely chance at a head coaching gig is in Indy. Either after this year or next Tony Dungy is likely to retire and Cadwell would be the most likely replacement. The Rooney rule requires teams to interview at least one minority coach before hiring, has done a lot of good to be sure. It is certainly getting Caldwell's name out there, but it won't likely land him a job. Last year 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary was a hot candidate and was at that time said to be very impressive, but he hasn't gotten so much as a nibble this year. Continuing the interesting way "hot" candidates come and go look at Jim Schwartz, who nearly landed the job with the 49ers that went to Mike Nolan and then was untouched for two years and now is hot again. The same thing happened to current Packers head man Mike McCarrthy, who while the Saints offensive coordinator was a hot name only to disappear for a few years and then surprisingly landed the Packers job and look what he has done there. It is interesting how this all works, not necessarily smart but interesting http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The NFL suffered a tragedy with the loss of Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was shot in his home during a suspected buglary, he was 24 years old. We extend our sympathy to Sean's family, friends and teammates http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Great to see those individuals who are truly saddened by their mistakes and who have atoned get a second chance, this is America after all.. so with that we heartily welcome Ricky Williams back to the NFL, oh wait he used his second chance years ago. Maybe he should play for the Bengals where he would fit right in and cats have nine lives anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net According to ESPN Saints RB Deuce McAllister is done for the year after tearing his ACL Monday night. He will have an MRI Tuesday to confirm that. Seems the Saints got too caught up in last year and forgot there was another season to play. Standing at 0-3 and looking at a season on the brink it may be the lowly Saints again http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The old times are back for the Saints and we are not talking about the good ole days, but cover your head (and vomit if you must). After a magical year they were the trendy pick and have responded with an 0-3 and look to have the makings to get much worse. Drew Brees threw 4 INTs and lost a fumble in a 31-14 loss to the Titans Monday night. Reggie Bush gained only 15 yards rushing but did score 2 TDs and Deuce McAllister injured his knee. The receivers were dynamic last year, now strike no fear in anyone. The entire team just seems to be lacking the desire and fire they had last year when they were playing for a cause. The Titans looked solid in all areas http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Before the season everyone was on the Saints bandwagon... two weeks in most have jumped ship following a 31-14 thumping by the Bucs. The Saints out gained them on offense but were scoreless at the half as their defense gave up 21 points. Emotion carried them last year, now we see their secondary still has some gaping holes and despite two excellent ends isn't enough to overcome that. The stats are interesting for the Bucs in that Jeff Garcia completed only 10 passes but they went for 243 yards and 2 TDs, and it was the same for Cadillac Williams who gained 61 yards on 24 carries but also had two scores. Joey Galloway takes the prize with 4 catches for 135 yards and 2 TDs. Think the Saints are still happy with Robert Meecham in round one? They could use some help in the secondary and quick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints realized they needed some help after getting spanked by Peyton Manning and have signed DE Renaldo Wynn who was released by the Redskins to backup a great pair at end, Will Smith and Charles Grant http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Someone may have forgotten to tell the New Orleans Saints that the season started on Thursday for them. Their offense must have thought this was another preseason game as they got taken apart by the Colts 41-10. A little surprise to start the season http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net We wondered what the Saints were doing when they choose Ohio State RB Antonio Pittman in the 4th round of the draft, guess we were right to wonder as he was released Saturday from the crowded backfield. Former Pitt QB Tyler Palko also was let go http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints linebackers last pre-season were a mess they were looking to bring people in, this year they are jettisoning a veteran, Dhani Jones who didn't make it past the final cuts http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Here is a great article by Fox Sports' John Czarnecki about how the NFL rookie are being paid way too much. "It doesn't make sense that LaRon Landry is the highest paid safety in the game," Cowboys executive Stephen Jones told me. "And that Joe Thomas (Cleveland's top pick) has a better deal than Tom Brady. For example, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed yesterday for less guaranteed money than what Johnson and Thomas collected, and only a moron would say those rookies deserve more than one of the NFL's best running backs... we're right there with you John, good work http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints got a scare on Tuesday when OLT Jammal Brown when down in practice with a knee injury. He was in quite a bit of pain on the field, but an MRI showed no major injury and just a bone bruise. No word on how long he'll be out but he should be good to start the season. The Saints are relieved as the backup situation there is a little shaky http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have signed a pair of third round picks, CB Usama Young and G Andy Alleman to three year deals. Usama was a 4 year starter at Kent State, he has good size and great speed but will be taking a big step up in competition on Sunday's http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Former Cardinals DT Kendrick Clancy quickly found a new team, signing with the New Orleans Saints and getting a 3 year contract. He started 11 games last year for the Cardinals but is more of a reserve. He will add to their rotation, but don't expect big numbers from him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net New Orleans Saints first round pick WR Robert Meachem had knee surgery yesterday to repair his meniscus. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Safety Steve Gleason also had his knee scoped and will miss about 8 weeks http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints got good value on the second day of the draft. They were either looking to the future with their first pick or taking the highest rated player on the board in RB Antonio Pittman, who could have gone as early as the late second round. He will be the third back this year behind Deuce and Reggie, but could be counted on for a bigger role in a year or two http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints did well to get Jason David before the draft and were able to draft for another need, Robert Meachem will replace Joe Horn and make sure this offense stays powerful. Meachem is an excellent pick at this spot. The Saints also added TE Eric Johnson in free agency, if healthy he will be a great receiving tight end and another weapon... this offense scared people last year and they are better this year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net New Orleans Saints DE Charles Grant is a happy man these days. He has agreed to a 7 year contract worth up to $63 million including $20 million in guarantees according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Grant was the team's franchise player http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Indianapolis Colts decided against matching the offer sheet from the New Orleans Saints to cornerback Jason David and they will now receive a 4th round pick in return for David from the Saints. David will step into the starting lineup for the Saints next to Mike McKenzie and allow the Saints not to be forced to get a starting caliber corner in the draft. The Colts on the other hand have lost both starting corners and have lots of holes to fill in the draft this weekend http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Indianapolis Colts may be losing another player, the New Orleans Saints have signed CB Jason David to a front loaded 4 year offer sheet. If the Colts do not match the offer they will get a 4h round pick in return http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have signed veteran WR David Patten to a one year contract. Patten spent the last two years in the witness protection program, perfectly hidden at the bottom of the Redskins depth chart after successful years with the Patriots. Patten is a good addition for the Saints. Without Joe Horn this year, Patten's experience will help Drew Brees and compliment the younger receivers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints signed former Texans LB Troy Evans to a 2 year $1.32 million deal that included a $100,000 signing bonus according to ESPN http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints didn't keep kicker John Carney waiting. After trading for Olindo Mare they have released Carney who has been in the NFL for 17 years, the last six with the Saints http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints have resigned safety Jay Bellamy to a one year deal according to the Times-Picayune. He will compete in a crowded secondary for a spot among Josh Bullocks, Roman Harper, Kevin Kaesviharn and Steve Gleason. The Saints also brought in WR David Patten who was released earlier this off season by the Redskins after 2 years in the witness protection program there http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Dolphins signed his replacement but held onto kicker Olindo Mare for a couple weeks as they looked to see if they could trade him. They finally got an offer they liked and have traded Mare to the New Orleans Saints for a sixth round pick this year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The NFL announced the prime time games for the opening weekend at the owners meeting. The Saints will travel to Indianapolis in the opening game Thursday night. The Sunday afternoon national game features the Bears traveling to San Diego where new head coach Norv Turner will face off against his brother, Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner. The Sunday night game is Giants at the Cowboys and as last year there are a pair off Monday night games. First the Ravens travel to Cincinnati and then the Cardinals visit the 49ers in San Francisco http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New York Jets have signed former Saints DE Michael Haynes, who was a first round pick of the Bears just four years ago. Third team in five years, yup you guessed it, first round bust. Haynes has good size and will add depth at defensive end and hope to find the 3-4 more fitting to him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The St. Louis Rams have signed former Panthers LB Chris Draft to a 3 year contract according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Draft will likely be he primary backup at all 3 linebacker spots and is capable of starting. He had drawn interest from the Saints as well. The Rams also signed former Redskins and 49ers CB Mike Rumph who will be lucky to make the roster. The former Miami Hurricane and first round pick of the 49ers is likely on his last slow leg in the NFL http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have signed former Bengals safety Kevin Kaesviharn to a 4 year $10 million contract with a $3.25 million signing bonus according to ESPN. Kaesviharn will help in coverage and the move provides better depth at safety where Roman Harper is coming off a knee surgery. Along with Josh Bullocks they will be much improved in 2007 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Former Saints WR Joe Horn has signed with the Atlanta Falcons. This will make the Saints fans cringe having to go against him twice a year. Horn will finally give QB Michael Vick a dependable target to throw to. He has always had tight end Alge Crumpler but the receivers have never been an impressive bunch. The Falcons hope Horn can not only help Michael Vick but also mentor the young receivers and help them improve. It is a huge signing for the Falcons , but it will also add pressure for Vick to perform better as a passer, as if he could be under more scrutiny. Horn was scheduled to go to Green Bay but never took the flight (or any others) as he wanted to be a Falcon http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Houston Texans have signed former Saints LB Danny Clark. A solid linebacker prior to last year, his only with the Saints where he struggled mightily. Previous stints in Oakland and Jacksonville were much better, the Texans are hoping he can regain his form http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have signed former 49ers TE Eric Johnson to a one year deal. The NFL Network reports it's worth about $2 million. Johnson would be a prized free agent if not for his injuries. He has missed the entire season 2 of the last 4 years and was out 3 games last year as well. In between he led the 49ers in receptions with 82 in 2004. He is an excellent receiver and a solid blocker, the key is staying on the field. The 49ers wanted to keep him, but as a backup to Vernon Davis http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Kicker Mike Vanderjagt will visit with the New Orleans Saints as they look to upgrade themselves according to the Dallas Morning News. Vanderjagt was a big free agent last year that flopped horribly in Dallas, and it was so nice to see happen to such a jerk.. apologies to the Cowboys who didn't enjoy it all that much. Big question will be what he feels his worth is in contract demand.. may be best for a one year deal to try and re-prove himself http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have signed former Bengals LB Brian Simmons to a 3 year deal. Simmons is a good player who has been durable prior to missing 5 games last year with a neck strain. Most importantly he was one of the few (or so it seems) Bengals that wasn't in legal trouble. He is a solid linebacker who can play any of the 3 spots for the Saints http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Denver Broncos have signed former Saints guard Montrae Holland, who could replace free agent Cooper Carlisle if he is not resigned http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints will bring in Bengals S Kevin Kaesviharn and 49ers TE Eric Johnson for a visit Tuesday. The Saints have been looking to upgrade the safety spot and previously hosted Ken Hamlin. Johnson is looking for a starting job, he is an excellent receiver but has been injury prone as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints are looking to upgrade the linebacker position. According to the Times-Picayune they will have Panthers LB Chris Draft in for a visit today while Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is reporting they will sign former Bengals LB Brian Simmons today. The Saints are focusing on defense with safety being the other position so far. Expect some help at corner to come as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have resigned OT Jon Stinchcomb to a 2 year $7 million deal with $5 million coming in the first year according to ESPN. This is a good move for the Saints as Stinchcomb played well last year and will keep the line together for another year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have set up a couple of visits on Saturday according to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, Seahawks CB Ken Hamlin and Bengals LB Brian Simmons will be in town http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Former Saints WR Joe Horn isn't leaving New Orleans quietly. He spouted off against the team and head coach Sean Peyton saying they didn't want him there and Peyton wanted to prove he could win without Joe Horn... sound a bit full of himself? The Packers have shown quick interest in him as they look to add to their thin depth at receiver http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have been trying to reduce the contract of WR Joe Horn the past few weeks. With no deal the Saints have released him. Horn wants to see what his value is and the Saints hope he may still return. In a weak year for free agent receivers Horn even at age 35 and coming off a season where he missed 6 games and caught only 37 balls he will certainly get more than a little interest around the league. In 2005 he missed three games as well and had only 49 catches, so buyer beware he is on the downside of his career, but he did average 18.4 yards per catch last year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Tomorrow morning isn't Christmas but may seem like it in some NFL cities as free agency begins . There will be some quick signing and the sticker price will shock and awe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints have signed DT Hollis Thomas for 4 more years. The 33 year old will get $12 million over 4 years according to ESPN http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints are expected to name DE Charles Grant as their franchise player if they cannot get a deal done in the next couple of days according to ESPN. With no movement in talks that appears to be what will happen giving him a guaranteed one year deal for $8.66 million. He would be the third defensive end to get tagged following Justin Smith of the Bengals and Dwight Freeney of the Colts thinning out the free agents at the spot. The Falcons Patrick Kerney is left as the top option for other teams http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The San Diego Chargers are conducting the last of their scheduled interviews today with Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs. The only other name that was mentioned early to be interviewed was Jim Mora but he has not been contacted further. AJ Smith and owner Dean Spanos will be making their choice very soon, and an introduction will come by Wednesday at the latest. The early leader is Rex Ryan, but discount the chance that someone who hasn't interviewed will appear and be announced as the next coach as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Mike Zimmer got his turn to interview Saturday with the San Diego Chargers and Sunday will be New Orleans defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs, who will be the first interview who doesn't have a Super Bowl ring. That's good we thought they were prejudice before. Gibbs doesn't have a ring but he was the head coach at Oklahoma for six years. He and Norv Turner are the only candidates so far with head coaching experience, Norv being the only one with NFL head coaching experience http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net So who is next for the San Diego Chargers? The list of candidates should be familiar, with a few additions. Interview will start Wednesday and things will move quickly http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net Saints QB Drew Brees dislocated his elbow during the Pro Bowl and is expected to be 100% in a couple of months. http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net The Saints have signed LB Scott Shanle to a four-year contract keeping him off the free agent market. The Saints traded for him last year during the preseason from Dallas and turned out to be a great addition. He helped solidify a weak position during camp for the Saints and finished 2nd on the team in tackles. His resigning is a good start to the off season. He would have clearly gotten many offers in free agency but wanted to stay in New Orleans, with a team definitely on the rise http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7 PFInsider.net According to Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints will play next year in the Hall of Fame game on August 5th http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=7