Saints Begin Rebuilding Today

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You may not think of a team that went 12-6 last season as being in a rebuilding stage, but the New Orleans Saints are. They're clearly looking to rejuvenate their roster. Will Smith, Jabari Greer, Jonathan Vilma, Roman Harper, and Lance Moore were big contributors to the first Super Bowl Championship in franchise history, and are popular with fans, myself included. They've all been slowed by age and injuries, as has Darren Sproles.

Free agency begins today (March 11th) at 4PM EDT. The Saints will have to negotiate with 13 unrestricted free agents. They're one of the NFL's better teams. If they want to be the best, several needs must be addressed, most notably the offensive line, outside linebacker, and cornerback.

GM Mickey Loomis, and head coach Sean Payton have both stated it's their philosophy to address need via free agency, and look for the best prospect available when it's their turn to draft. This makes sense. An established player with 4-5 years experience is a known commodity. A rookie is not, and they Saints don't draft 'til #27.

What's going to happen with Jimmy Graham? I don't know. He wants $12 million a year. The Saints don't have cap room to pay him that. If he signs with another team, the Saints are owed 2 first round draft picks.