New Orleans Saints
Zach Strief - #64 - T
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 7"/ 320 lbs. |
| Birthday | 09/22/1983 |
| Birthplace | Milford, OH |
| College | Northwestern |
| Years played | 8 |
| Drafted | 2006, 7th round, 2nd pick by Saints |
Future uncertain for Saints OLT Bushrod
A hole at left tackle will command the Saints' attention this offseason if they fail to re-sign OLT Jermon Bushrod.
NFC South Spin cycle: Tough test awaits suspect Falcons run 'D'
The Falcons came up short against the Bucs in a game where they nothing to gain, and the Panthers rallied against the Saints in Week 17.
Panthers defeat Saints to end year on four-game win streak
Drew Brees made more NFL history, but so did the Saints' defense in an undesirable way, and the Panthers rallied to a 44-38 victory Sunday.
Saints DE Smith will be back only at reduced rate
The Saints put questions about Sean Payton’s future to rest with the announcement of his new contract, and one of the next big issues for the team to tackle will be its salary-cap situation.
Saints place Thomas on injured reserve
The Saints placed RB Pierre Thomas (knee) on injured reserve on Saturday.
Report: Saints, Payton agree to contract extension
The Saints and Sean Payton agreed in principle to a multi-year contract extension, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer.
NFC South Spin cycle: Falcons earn top seed, Bucs keep sinking
The Falcons clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC with their win over the Lions in Week 16. Meanwhile, the Bucs continued to implode.
Saints play spoiler in 34-31 victory over Cowboys
Garrett Hartley kicked a 20-yard field in overtime, and the Saints damaged Dallas' playoff hopes with a 34-31 victory against the Cowboys on Sunday.
Graham's contract will draw Saints' attention
TE Jimmy Graham will be entering his contract year in 2013 if he and the Saints don't work out an extension this offseason.
Key matchup: Saints defense vs. Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray
In Wednesday’s key matchup, we look ahead to the Week 16 meeting between the Saints and Cowboys.
NFC South Spin cycle: Falcons not playing pretend
The Falcons bounced back in a big way Sunday as the Panthers stayed hot and the Saints dealt the Bucs a brutal loss.
Saints have to consider possibility of Payton's departure
The Saints don’t want to lose Sean Payton this offseason, but they want to be compensated for his services if he departs.
Saints roll past Buccaneers 41-0
Drew Brees passed for 307 yards and four touchdowns, and the Saints recorded their first shutout since 1995 in a 41-0 victory over the Buccaneers.
Saints place S Jenkins on injured reserve
The Saints announced Saturday that they have placed FS Malcolm Jenkins and OT Charles Brown on injured reserve.
Saints coach: Witnesses lied in NFL investigation
Saints assistant head coach Joe Vitt said Thursday witnesses in the NFL's bounty investigation of the Saints lied about him and the organization.
PLAYER NEWS
Strief has returned from a left groin injury and is starting, giving the team a boost at a thin position.|||||||
Strief's primary backup, Charles Brown, is inactive with a right knee injury.
Strief has been scratched for Sunday's game against San Francisco, meaning rookie Bryce Harris will start in his place against the 49ers' No. 2-ranked defense.|||||||
Strief is dealing with a groin injury.
Strief is inactive for Sunday's game against Carolina with a knee injury.|||||||
Charles Brown is expected to start in Strief's place.
Strief has agreed to return to New Orleans for another season. Saints spokesman Greg Bensel says Strief, a restricted free agent this offseason, signed his tender offer from the club on Monday. The Saints had offered Strief about $1.76 million.|||||||
Strief played in every game last season, starting twice at tackle during the regular season. He also subbed in routinely as a blocking tight end. Strief, 26, was drafted out of Northwestern in the seventh round in 2006. He has played in 57 regular-season games, starting five. He also has appeared in all five of the Saints' playoff games since he joined the club.
Strief took over at left tackle in the Saints' opener against the Lions on Sunday after Jermon Bushrod hurt his right leg.|||||||
Strief, a seventh-round draft pick out of Northwestern in 2006, is behind Bushrod and Jammal Brown on the depth chart. But with both of those players injured, he could get more opportunities early this season.