New Orleans SAINTS official thread 2014-15

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Jets, Saints, Seahawks all in play for Sidney Rice

 

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 17, 2014, 12:56 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/sidney-rice.jpg?w=242

 

 

Eric Decker may not be the only free agent receiver the Jets sign.

 

Sidney Rice, who was cut by the Seahawks last month, is drawing interest from the Jets, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

 

But the Saints — who have been far more aggressive in free agency than most expected — are also interested. And the Seahawks would still like to bring Rice back at the right price.

 

Rice was a Pro Bowler early in his career with the Vikings, and shortly after the lockout ended in 2011, Rice signed a five-year, $41 million contract with the Seahawks. But in Seattle he didn’t become quite the player the Seahawks were hoping for, and last year he managed just 15 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns.

 

Although Rice has been limited by injuries in the last few years, he’s only 27 years old. If he can get healthy for 16 games, he could be a significant addition to some team’s offense. So it’s not surprising that multiple teams are interested.

[laughedatbytime]

Jets, Saints, Seahawks all in play for Sidney Rice

 

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 17, 2014, 12:56 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/sidney-rice.jpg?w=242

 

 

Eric Decker may not be the only free agent receiver the Jets sign.

 

Sidney Rice, who was cut by the Seahawks last month, is drawing interest from the Jets, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

 

But the Saints — who have been far more aggressive in free agency than most expected — are also interested. And the Seahawks would still like to bring Rice back at the right price.

 

Rice was a Pro Bowler early in his career with the Vikings, and shortly after the lockout ended in 2011, Rice signed a five-year, $41 million contract with the Seahawks. But in Seattle he didn’t become quite the player the Seahawks were hoping for, and last year he managed just 15 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns.

 

Although Rice has been limited by injuries in the last few years, he’s only 27 years old. If he can get healthy for 16 games, he could be a significant addition to some team’s offense. So it’s not surprising that multiple teams are interested.

I have no comment on the article, but congratulations on your move into 2nd place on the all time list of TRF posters. :cheerleader:

[treeduck]

Jets, Saints, Seahawks all in play for Sidney Rice

 

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 17, 2014, 12:56 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/sidney-rice.jpg?w=242

 

 

Eric Decker may not be the only free agent receiver the Jets sign.

 

Sidney Rice, who was cut by the Seahawks last month, is drawing interest from the Jets, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

 

But the Saints — who have been far more aggressive in free agency than most expected — are also interested. And the Seahawks would still like to bring Rice back at the right price.

 

Rice was a Pro Bowler early in his career with the Vikings, and shortly after the lockout ended in 2011, Rice signed a five-year, $41 million contract with the Seahawks. But in Seattle he didn’t become quite the player the Seahawks were hoping for, and last year he managed just 15 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns.

 

Although Rice has been limited by injuries in the last few years, he’s only 27 years old. If he can get healthy for 16 games, he could be a significant addition to some team’s offense. So it’s not surprising that multiple teams are interested.

I have no comment on the article, but congratulations on your move into 2nd place on the all time list of TRF posters. :cheerleader:

Did I? I don't even notice my post count anymore, that's what's happens once you get past 40,000. I mean what's 44,000 or 45,000 or 46,000?

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Saints sign fullback Erik Lorig away from Buccaneers

 

Posted by Darin Gantt on March 18, 2014, 12:24 PM EDT

 

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In the process of remaking their backfield, the Saints went out and stole a player from a division rival.

 

The team announced they had signed Buccaneers free agent fullback Erik Lorig to a four-year deal.

 

Lorig didn’t carry the ball last year, but he had 11 receptions for the Bucs. And he gives the Saints something they lack, since there were no experienced fullbacks on the roster after they declined to tender restricted free agent Jed Collins a deal.

 

The Saints have traded Darren Sproles, but kept Pierre Thomas with a contract extension, and the 250-pound Lorig gives them a different dimension in the backfield.

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Saints re-sign Joe Morgan

 

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 18, 2014, 6:16 PM EDT

Joe Morgan, Drew Brees

AP

We noted this morning that free agent receiver Joe Morgan had removed a potential obstacle to finding a job by entering a diversion program to resolve a 2013 DWI charge. Hours later, Morgan has found himself a new job.

 

The Saints have announced that Morgan has signed a one-year contract to remain in New Orleans.

 

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The 25-year-old Morgan has played his entire career for the Saints, who signed him as anundrafted free agent in 2011. Morgan has played sparingly, but he has shown big-play ability with the few chances he has received: He has only caught 10 passes in his career, but he has a whopping 379 receiving yards and three touchdowns on those 10 catches.

 

Last year Morgan missed the entire season after suffering a knee injury in training camp. If Morgan can get back to full speed this year, he may be ready to make some big plays in the Saints’ passing game.

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Vikings add Tom Johnson to defensive line mix

 

Posted by Josh Alper on March 20, 2014, 6:18 AM EDT

 

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The door to Kevin Williams‘ return to Minnesota may now be officially closed.

 

Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports that the Vikings have signed free agent defensive tackle Tom Johnson to go with Linval Joseph, Sharrif Floyd and Fred Evans at the position. While Williams’ return was always unlikely, it’s almost impossible to see it as a possibility when the team already has four defensive tackles pencilled into the depth chart.

 

Johnson has five sacks in 40 games for the Saints over the last three seasons, but wasn’t tendered a contract as a restricted free agent as he was an imperfect fit for the defense run by Rob Ryan in New Orleans. The Saints ran a 4-3 before Ryan arrived and the Vikings will be running a 4-3 under new coach Mike Zimmer, which should eliminate scheme concerns.

 

Pelissero reports that Johnson will make $845,000 in 2014 with playing time and performance incentives that can boost the total by $600,000 if Johnson hits them all.

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Steelers land Lance Moore with two-year deal

 

Posted by Darin Gantt on March 21, 2014, 3:52 PM EDT

 

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The Steelers lost a valuable role player when Jerricho Cotchery chose a Panthers offer.

 

They found a similar version Friday.

 

The Steelers signed former Saints wideout Lance Moore to a two-year deal.

 

Moore was released by the Saints after a 37-catch season, but he had averaged 61 catches a year the previous three years.

 

The 30-year-old Moore didn’t get much interest in the market, as the Steelers were his only visit. Now, he’ll have a chance to work out of the slot the way Cotchery did, which worked for 10 touchdowns last season.

[laughedatbytime]

Not sure where you posted that the Fins should take Zach Martin but he's the pick for us at the latest mock at nfl.com

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Not sure where you posted that the Fins should take Zach Martin but he's the pick for us at the latest mock at nfl.com

It could be the right pick.

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Graham deal likely before April 22 grievance deadline

 

Posted by Mike Florio on March 24, 2014, 10:16 PM EDT

 

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As the Saints and tight end Jimmy Graham continue to not have a long-term deal in place, the question becomes when the next real deadline applies for either side.

 

The next real deadline applies on or about April 22, when Graham must file a grievance regarding his designation as a tight end for franchise tag purposes.

 

Per a league source, the current expectation is that the Saints and Graham will finalize a long-term contract before Graham pulls the pin on a grievance grenade.

 

Once Graham files a grievance, the process will take on a life of its own, with more than $5 million turning on whether Graham lined up more as a receiver or a tight end for franchise tag purposes. At that point, Graham has nothing to lose by letting it ride — especially once the process becomes adversarial in an industry where the bright line of winning and losing looms over everything else.

 

Graham can make a strong case for consideration as a receiver for tag purposes. The Saints can make a compelling case, too, but they surely have no desire to draw battle lines with one of their best players. That’s why it makes plenty of sense to resolve the situation before it can take a potentially ugly turn.

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Saints bring Luke McCown back for another year

 

Posted by Darin Gantt on March 26, 2014, 1:06 PM EDT

 

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It’s a good offseason to be a McCown, and now they’ll get to see plenty of each other.

 

Agent Mike McCartney just tweeted out word that Luke McCown had agreed to a one-year deal to stay with the Saints.

 

McCown’s not hitting it big like his brother Josh McCown in Tampa Bay, and isn’t there to start, but he does give the Saints some experience as a backup.

 

They also have former undrafted rookie Ryan Griffin to groom, but Luke McCown gives them a seasoned safety net.

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Payton envisions Graham deal before grievance deadline

 

Posted by Mike Florio on March 26, 2014, 8:36 AM EDT

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The NFL continues to be a deadline driven business, and the looming deadline for Jimmy Graham’s grievance regarding his franchise-tag designation continues to be the deadline that will drive a likely long-term deal for him.

 

“I think you hit it on the head yesterday,” Saints coach Sean Payton told PFT Live on Tuesday, referring to our item explaining that a deal is likely before April 22. “I think there is a talented tight end. There’s a team where we see a clear role for what he does, and I think anytime you hit this point in the season with a franchise player, you and I could map it out and the only little thing or hitch here is there might be a debate as to the position he plays. But that being said by the time we’re going into training camp he’ll be someone we’re throwing the ball to.”

 

The labor deal gives Graham 50 days to challenge the belief that he’s a tight end for tag purposes, from the March 3 application of the franchise tag. While $5.2 million on a one-year deal hangs in the balance, Graham’s camp (as we understand it) intends to attempt to fashion an argument that erroneous application of the tag invalidates it, making Graham a free agent.

 

As Payton said, it’s not likely to happen. The Saints and Graham are on track to work something out before Graham has to embark on a path that could lead to all sorts of unsavory consequences.

 

For the full Sean Payton interview from the league meetings in Orlando, click the box below.

[treeduck]

Refs will penalize players who dunk over the goal post

 

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 25, 2014, 12:46 PM EDT

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The goal post dunk, a favored post-touchdown celebration of many NFL players, is going the way of the Ickey Shuffle, the cell phone call, the Sharpie in the sock and all of the other celebrations banned by the No Fun League.

 

NFL head of officiating Dean Blandino told the Dan Patrick Show that starting this season, dunks will be a penalty. Dan Patrick Show producer Paul Pabst ‏tweets that the NFL has a rule against using the ball as a prop, and apparently that’s the rule that will be used to ban dunks. So it’s not a new rule, it’s a new interpretation of an existing rule.

 

As we noted a few days ago, the goal post dunk became a concern when Saints tight end (or wide receiver) Jimmy Graham knocked the goal post askew while dunking in Atlanta. The NFL is also considering making the uprights longer, which would make them more top-heavy and therefore potentially more likely to fall over entirely. That would be the NFL equivalent of a dunk that shatters the glass.

 

It seems unlikely that such a thing would happen, but then again we never thought a dunk would delay the game until Graham’s dunk did it. The NFL apparently doesn’t want to take any chances, and so we have the Jimmy Graham Rule.

 

 

Jimmy Graham vows to lead the league in penalties

 

Posted by Mike Florio on March 25, 2014, 10:34 PM EDT

 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/graham3.jpg?w=220

 

The NFL has passed what surely will be known as the Jimmy Graham rule. And Graham plans to break it.

 

Repeatedly.

 

“I guess I’ll have to lead the NFL in penalties next year!” Graham said on Twitter after the NFL passed a rule banning the goal post dunk. Graham’s tweet was accompanied by an image of Graham dunking over an official.

 

Obviously, the move isn’t banned; Graham can still dunk the ball after scoring. But Graham will be subject to a 15-yard penalty and fines that will increase as the violations mount.

 

While many have accused the NFL of once again behaving as the “No Fun League,” the fact that Graham knocked a goal post cockeyed with a two-handed dunk last season likely prompted the league to eliminate the exception created when a prohibition on the use of props was passed several years ago.

 

And so while Graham may be inclined to blame the NFL for taking the fun out of the game, Graham needs to blame only himself for turning a touchdown celebration into a delay in play, which caused the league to turn the maneuver into something that is now frowned upon.

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6. (6th ranked compensatory pick of all time) Marques Colston (New Orleans, Round 7, Pick No. 252 overall, 2006)

All Colston did to start his career was set the record for most receptions (168) in a player's first two seasons. He has seven receptions for 83 yards in the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV victory. He holds New Orleans career marks for receptions, yards and touchdowns.

[treeduck]

ORLANDO, Fla. -- New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham has an interesting ally in his battle to be paid like a wide receiver: Saints coach Sean Payton.

 

Speaking Wednesday at the NFL Annual Meeting, Payton sympathized with Graham's battle to be treated like a wide receiver in terms of his franchise tag and long-term contract.

 

"I think that is a byproduct of an antiquated system in regards to franchise numbers. I think those will be revisited and adjusted," Payton said.

 

It is rare to see a coach stand up for his player like that in a financial matter. He's essentially saying that Graham deserves more on a franchise tag than the NFL rules currently allow. Payton also is admitting that basically, the team will pay Graham like a top receiver on a long-term deal. We wouldn't be surprised if Payton's words are used by Graham's camp in its grievance regarding the tight end's franchise number, if the process makes it that far.

 

The Saints coach didn't sound too worried about working out a long-term deal eventually, comparing it to Drew Brees' contract standoff two seasons ago.

 

"Very similar to Drew, I think it's not a matter of if, but when," Payton said.

[laughedatbytime]

ORLANDO, Fla. -- New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham has an interesting ally in his battle to be paid like a wide receiver: Saints coach Sean Payton.

 

Speaking Wednesday at the NFL Annual Meeting, Payton sympathized with Graham's battle to be treated like a wide receiver in terms of his franchise tag and long-term contract.

 

"I think that is a byproduct of an antiquated system in regards to franchise numbers. I think those will be revisited and adjusted," Payton said.

 

It is rare to see a coach stand up for his player like that in a financial matter. He's essentially saying that Graham deserves more on a franchise tag than the NFL rules currently allow. Payton also is admitting that basically, the team will pay Graham like a top receiver on a long-term deal. We wouldn't be surprised if Payton's words are used by Graham's camp in its grievance regarding the tight end's franchise number, if the process makes it that far.

 

The Saints coach didn't sound too worried about working out a long-term deal eventually, comparing it to Drew Brees' contract standoff two seasons ago.

 

"Very similar to Drew, I think it's not a matter of if, but when," Payton said.

Savvy move. They'll sign him and Payton's gonna have to coach him. So why not take the route where they'll get more out of him, especially when Payton's opinion doesn't affect the outcome in any way.

[treeduck]

ORLANDO, Fla. -- New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham has an interesting ally in his battle to be paid like a wide receiver: Saints coach Sean Payton.

 

Speaking Wednesday at the NFL Annual Meeting, Payton sympathized with Graham's battle to be treated like a wide receiver in terms of his franchise tag and long-term contract.

 

"I think that is a byproduct of an antiquated system in regards to franchise numbers. I think those will be revisited and adjusted," Payton said.

 

It is rare to see a coach stand up for his player like that in a financial matter. He's essentially saying that Graham deserves more on a franchise tag than the NFL rules currently allow. Payton also is admitting that basically, the team will pay Graham like a top receiver on a long-term deal. We wouldn't be surprised if Payton's words are used by Graham's camp in its grievance regarding the tight end's franchise number, if the process makes it that far.

 

The Saints coach didn't sound too worried about working out a long-term deal eventually, comparing it to Drew Brees' contract standoff two seasons ago.

 

"Very similar to Drew, I think it's not a matter of if, but when," Payton said.

Savvy move. They'll sign him and Payton's gonna have to coach him. So why not take the route where they'll get more out of him, especially when Payton's opinion doesn't affect the outcome in any way.

It looks like it's gonna be worked out without much drama, despite the media's attempt to make this tag argument into a big issue.

[treeduck]

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was rollicking at LSU coaches clinic

 

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When New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan agreed to speak at the LSU high school coaches clinic Thursday, Tigers coach Les Miles knew what he was getting. And Ryan delivered as only Ryan can.

 

For more than an hour, the high school coaches in attendance were treated to a rollicking and ribald address from the energetic, fun-loving assistant who just finished his first season with the Saints.

 

In the process of restoring defensive pride to a unit that was the worst in NFL history in 2012, it's clear he's no lower than the third favorite member of the Saints behind iconic quarterback Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton. His flowing white hair and the fact he's the twin brother of New York Jets coach Rex Ryan does hurt his popularity, either.

 

As much fun as he was having, Ryan made sure to remind everyone he knows where his bread is buttered. He's clearly happy to be in New Orleans and not only because of the festive reputation and plethora of parades.

 

"Sean Payton is the best coach I've ever coached for and I've coached for Bill Belichik," Ryan said early in his speech.

 

Ryan and Miles also have a past. The two crossed paths in 1997 as assistants at Oklahoma State. Miles left the next season but Ryan stayed for two more seasons before moving on to the NFL for good as linebacker coach for Belichik's New England Patriots.

 

Ryan regaled the coaches with technical pointers on his thinking on designing the various blitzes he loves to use and also offering advice on how to motivate his players.

 

Here is a sampling of some of his best lines, including one referencing his comment that he would get hired in 5 minutes right after he was fired by Dallas a year ago:

 

-- "If you make that statement, make sure you have a twin brother who is already an NFL coach."

 

-- "Play defense like you live - hard and fast."

 

-- "The bottom line is we're playing a kids' game. If you want to have fun, come with us."

 

-- (on recent free agent signee Jairus Byrd) "He can hawk that ball, so it's going to be fun to watch him. To be honest I had no idea (Saints were going to sign him). They (front office) were smart about it. They know the players and know who we need, and they got a guy we really need.

 

-- (on motivating players) "Bud Grant (former Vikings coach) always said, 'You'll know you're a good leader when your players say, 'We did it -- ourselves.'"

 

-- "Utilize your whole roster. If they are great on special teams, give them a bone, their own package. Will Herring, nicknamed 'Polar Bear,' we put him in on goal line. Ramon Humber is the 'Wombat.'"

 

-- "We name blitzes after players' and coaches' kids. Named one 'Rio' after (defensive assistant) Brian Young's daughter."

 

-- (on defensive slogan K.I.L.L.) 'Keep it learnable and likable. Rex claims he came up with that one."

 

-- (defensive philosophy) "Your goal is to make that offense play left-handed. Stop their core players and core plays."

 

-- (on defensive line coach Bill Johnson) "He can make a dead man charge twice."

 

-- "Here's my calendar. Here's the soup diet. Made it 3 days."

 

-- "The job of an assistant coach is to advance the head coach's plan."

[treeduck]

Giants sign Charles Brown

 

Posted by Josh Alper on April 1, 2014, 4:22 PM EDT

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Add another name to the Giants’ offseason haul.

 

The team announced Tuesday that they have signed tackle Charles Brown. Brown visited with the Giants earlier in free agency and joins an offensive line that has also added Geoff Schwartz, John Jerry and J.D. Walton to the mix since the start of free agency.

 

Brown spent most of last season as the Saints’ starting left tackle, but wound up getting benched in favor of rookie Terron Armstead after a rough outing against Rams defensive end Robert Quinn. He’s played right tackle as well during his career and gives the Giants an experienced option as a swing tackle behind Will Beatty and Justin Pugh.

 

The Giants got very little from their offensive line last season and have devoted a good bit of time to reworking it this offseason. If nothing else, they’ll have more choices available to them heading into next season as they try for a better performance up front.

[treeduck]

Champ Bailey visits New Orleans Saints on Tuesday

 

A 12-time Pro Bowl selection finally is making his first visit of free agency.

 

Former Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey is meeting with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.

 

 

Ian Rapoport ✔ @RapSheet

Follow

Champ Bailey visited the #Saints facility today… and we can thank Keenan Lewis for the Instagram shot

 

He plans to visit at least one more team, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, unless contract talks go well with the Saints.

 

Bailey, 36 in June, is coming off the worst season of his career. He battled a chronic foot injury from August until Super Bowl XLVIII, when Doug Baldwin beat him down the sideline for a 37-yard gain.

 

Assuming he's now back to full health, Bailey makes sense for a Saints team with questionable cornerback depth behind Keenan Lewis.

[treeduck]

Saints re-sign Parys Haralson

 

Posted by Mike Wilkening on April 1, 2014, 6:43 PM EDT

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The Saints have brought back a player whom they traded for last August, agreeing to a one-year deal with outside linebacker Parys Haralson. The club announced the transaction on Tuesday.

 

Haralson (6-0, 255) played all 16 games for the Saints in 2013, notching 30 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He made eight starts for New Orleans — one at strong-side linebacker and seven at weak-side linebacker.

 

Before being traded to the Saints, Haralson played seven seasons (2006-2012) with San Francisco.

 

The 49ers received a 2014 seventh-round pick from New Orleans (No. 242) in the trade for Haralson.

[treeduck]

Saints agree to terms with CFL safety Marcus Ball on three-year deal

 

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Kory+Sheets+Saskatchewan+Roughriders+v+Toronto+Y1tXGVvK6Rel.jpg

 

With only two safeties under contract and another who’s a restricted free agent, the Saints on Wednesday brought in a player from the Canadian Football League to bolster the depth at the position group.

 

Marcus Ball, who suited up for the Toronto Argonauts as a linebacker in 2012 and 2013, reached terms on a three-year deal with the Saints on Wednesday, team General Manager Mickey Loomis announced in a statement. Terms were not immediately disclosed.

 

In his two seasons with Toronto, Ball was credited with 142 tackles, seven sacks, four interceptions, two touchdowns off pick returns and three fumble recoveries. Sixty-nine of the tackles, four of the sacks, three of the interceptions and one of the TDs occurred in 2013, when Toronto finished 11-7 and was eliminated in the East Division finals.

 

He helped Toronto become CFL champions by winning the Grey Cup in 2012, a high point in a pro career that was almost derailed before it ever got underway.

 

Ball, a native of Atlanta, began his college career with two seasons at Florida State (2006 and 2007). Poised to stand out in 2008 for then-Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden as a linebacker, Ball was among 61 athletes to be ensnared in an academic fraud scandal that involved players being accused of having tutors take their exams as well as gaining access to test questions, according to a report in The Globe and Mail in Toronto.

 

Ball surrendered his scholarship, quit the Seminoles and enrolled at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Miss., for one season. He then went to the University of Memphis for 2009 and 2010 to wrap up his career in the NCAA. He was listed as a defensive back at Memphis, where he was suspended for “an undisclosed violation of team policy” toward the conclusion of his senior season, media reports stated.

 

The 6-foot-1, 218-pound Ball failed to find work in football between the time he left Memphis and linked up with Toronto. He told The Globe and Mail ahead of the Grey Cup victory, “During all that, you kind of lose focus, you lose sight of where you think you’re going to be. A couple of goals, a couple of dreams start to fade away and you lose confidence in yourself.

 

“But I had the right people around me, a great family, a great supporting cast that kept pushing while I was out of it.”

 

In New Orleans, Ball will join first-stringers Jairus Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro as the only safeties under contract. The Saints have tendered a contract offer to restricted free-agent safety Rafael Bush, which gives New Orleans the right to match any offer the player may entertain from another team.

 

About a half-hour before the Saints revealed they’d agreed to terms with Ball, he logged on his Twitter account and wrote that it was overwhelming “to get that call” around what would’ve been the 31st birthday of Sean Taylor, an ex-NFL safety who was fatally shot during an invasion of his home in 2007.

 

“Wow... Nothing but GOD,” Ball tweeted. “This is crazy lol... I’m too Greeked up right now lol.”

 

On Tuesday, Taylor’s birthday, Ball sent condolences and prayers to the late player’s family via Twitter.

 

The Saints have brought in a number of prospects from the CFL, including current cornerback Derrius Brooks, former defensive lineman Tom Johnson and ex-practice squad receiver Chris Williams, who signed with Chicago in December. Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, a third-round draft selection for New Orleans in 2012, attended the University of Regina in Canada.

[treeduck]

Falcons give offer sheet to Saints RFA Rafael Bush

 

Posted by Darin Gantt on April 3, 2014, 4:48 PM EDT

 

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The long-dormant restricted free agent market still isn’t whirring, but it’s at least moving this year.

 

According to Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Falcons have given an offer sheet to Saints RFA safety Rafael Bush.

 

The Saints have until April 8 to match, but would receive no compensation if they didn’t.

 

The Saints might not be able to or interested after signing Jairus Byrd to go with Kenny Vaccaro.

 

Bush started six games for the Saints last year. He began his career with the Falcons in 2010, as an undrafted rookie out of South Carolina State.

 

Already this offseason, wide receiver Andrew Hawkins went from the Browns when the Bengals didn’t match his offer sheet, and two would be a land rush for RFAs after recent years.

[treeduck]

Mike Triplett @MikeTriplett #Saints have agreed to 2-year deal with CB Champ Bailey, per source.

[treeduck]

Champ Bailey joins New Orleans Saints

 

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

Published: April 4, 2014 at 03:36 p.m. Updated: April 4, 2014 at 03:42 p.m.

Champ Bailey's Hall of Fame career will continue in New Orleans.

 

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NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday that the 12-time Pro Bowl cornerback has agreed to a two-year contract with the Saints, according to a source that has spoken to him. Bailey visited with the Saints earlier this week.

 

It's a perfect fit for Bailey at this stage of his career. He'll be supported by one of the best safety tandems in the league, Jairus Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro. And Bailey will be playing for a coach in Rob Ryan will put Bailey in a position to succeed.

 

Bailey is a coach on the field, but he can be exposed in man coverage at this stage of his career. (Witness the last Super Bowl.) Don't be surprised if Bailey adds even more versatility to New Orleans' secondary by playing safety and cornerback.

 

The Saints could lose safety Rafael Bush, a restricted free agent who just signed an offer sheet with the Atlanta Falcons. But they have a very talented secondary with Vaccaro, Byrd, Bailey, and cornerback Keenan Lewis. Bailey had a solid 2012 campaign before a foot injury ravaged his 2013 season.