New Orleans Saints (7-9-0)
Saints re-sign Galette
The Saints announced a three-year contract for restricted free-agent LB Junior Galette on Saturday.
New Orleans Saints: 2013 team needs
We highlight the top three needs on offense and defense for the New Orleans Saints, and take a look back at their 2012 draft class.
Chargers claim CB Patrick
The Chargers claimed CB Johnny Patrick off waivers from the Saints on Wednesday.
Saints release TE Thomas, CB Patrick
The Saints released TE David Thomas and waived CB Johnny Patrick, the team announced Tuesday.
Saints hire Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator
The Saints hired Rob Ryan as their new defensive coordinator, the team announced Saturday.
Grantham withdraws from consideration for Saints' DC job
Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham released a statement Friday withdrawing his name from consideration for the Saints' defensive coordinator position.
Ranking the NFL divisions for 2013
PFW associate editor Kevin Fishbain takes an early stab at ranking the NFL's divisions for 2013, led by the NFC South.
Williams gets reinstated, joins Titans' staff
The NFL has reinstated former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who has joined the Titans’ staff as a senior assistant/defense.
In New Orleans, an unwelcome mat for Goodell
Roger Goodell shouldn't expect an overly friendly welcome from New Orleans residents, many of whom are still angry about the "bountygate" suspensions.
Saints fire Spagnuolo, Flajole
The Saints fired defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and secondary coach Ken Flajole, the team announced Thursday evening.
Former NFL kicker Erxleben charged with fraud
Federal authorities say former NFL PK Russell Erxleben has been charged with running an illegal investment scheme that raised more than $2 million.
NFL reinstates Saints coach Payton
The NFL has reinstated Saints coach Sean Payton, ending his season-long suspension that was handed down for his involvement in the bounty scandal.
Super Bowl plus Mardi Gras? It's called Super Gras
New Orleans is bracing for record crowds as the biggest sporting event of the year, the NFL Super Bowl, collides with Mardi Gras season.
Kromer, DeCamillis to join Trestman's staff
Aaron Kromer will reunite with Marc Trestman and join the Bears as their new offensive coordinator/offensive line coach.
Saints sign WR Parker, DE Richardson
The Saints signed WR Preston Parker and DE Jay Richardson to reserve/futures contracts on Friday.
PLAYER NEWS
Smith, Jason (T)
New Orleans general manager Mickey Loomis says the Saints and Smith have agreed to a one-year contract.
Smith, whose acquisition was announced by the Saints on Thursday, has spent four seasons in the NFL, playing in 45 games with 26 starts at both left and right tackle. The 6-foot-5, 308-pound lineman was the second overall pick out of Baylor in the 2009 draft by the St. Louis Rams and spent last season with the New York Jets.
Smith, whose acquisition was announced by the Saints on Thursday, has spent four seasons in the NFL, playing in 45 games with 26 starts at both left and right tackle. The 6-foot-5, 308-pound lineman was the second overall pick out of Baylor in the 2009 draft by the St. Louis Rams and spent last season with the New York Jets.
Leonhard, Jim (S)
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said the team agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Leonhard, a free agent.
Leonhard played in all 16 regular season games and had one start for Denver last year, finishing with two interceptions. He also returned 15 punts for 89 yards.
Leonhard played in all 16 regular season games and had one start for Denver last year, finishing with two interceptions. He also returned 15 punts for 89 yards.
McCown, Luke (QB)
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says New Orleans and unrestricted free agents, defensive end Kenyon Coleman and McCown, have agreed to terms on one-year contracts.
McCown, 6-4, 217-pounds, is a former fourth-round selection of the Cleveland Browns who went to training camp with the Saints last season. McCown, a former Louisiana Tech standout, has played in 22 NFL games with nine starts in stints with Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Atlanta. He has completed 184 of 316 passes for 2,035 yards with nine touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
McCown, 6-4, 217-pounds, is a former fourth-round selection of the Cleveland Browns who went to training camp with the Saints last season. McCown, a former Louisiana Tech standout, has played in 22 NFL games with nine starts in stints with Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Atlanta. He has completed 184 of 316 passes for 2,035 yards with nine touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Coleman, Kenyon (DE)
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says New Orleans and unrestricted free agents, Coleman and quarterback Luke McCown, have agreed to terms on one-year contracts.
The 6-foot-5, 293-pound Coleman has spent the last two seasons as a starting defensive end in Dallas' 3-4 alignment. He will rejoin new Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who held the same position with the Cowboys during Coleman's time in Dallas.
The 6-foot-5, 293-pound Coleman has spent the last two seasons as a starting defensive end in Dallas' 3-4 alignment. He will rejoin new Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who held the same position with the Cowboys during Coleman's time in Dallas.
Herring, Will (LB)
The New Orleans Saints re-signed Herring to a one-year contract Thursday.
Herring was released earlier this month. Acquired as a free agent in 2011, he played in all 16 games last season, starting one, and was credited with 13 tackles and one forced fumble. In two seasons with New Orleans, the former Auburn standout has played on special teams, while also providing depth at linebacker.
Herring was released earlier this month. Acquired as a free agent in 2011, he played in all 16 games last season, starting one, and was credited with 13 tackles and one forced fumble. In two seasons with New Orleans, the former Auburn standout has played on special teams, while also providing depth at linebacker.
Lewis, Keenan (CB)
The New Orleans Saints have signed free agent cornerback Keenan Lewis to a five-year contract.
The 6-foot-0, 208-pound Lewis is a New Orleans native, playing high school football in the city at O. Perry Walker. The 26-year-old spent his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, moving into a starting role last season and leading the NFL with 23 passes defended. Lewis visited with the Saints earlier this week.
The 6-foot-0, 208-pound Lewis is a New Orleans native, playing high school football in the city at O. Perry Walker. The 26-year-old spent his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, moving into a starting role last season and leading the NFL with 23 passes defended. Lewis visited with the Saints earlier this week.
Drescher, Justin (C)
The New Orleans Saints have announced signed Drescher to a four-year contract. The team made the announcement Wednesday but did not release financial terms of the deal.
Drescher arrived in New Orleans in November of 2010 as a rookie free agent and has played in all 41 games since then, handling snaps on field goals and punts. Saints punter Thomas Morstead was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season and said the reliability of Drescher's snaps was a significant factor.
Drescher arrived in New Orleans in November of 2010 as a rookie free agent and has played in all 41 games since then, handling snaps on field goals and punts. Saints punter Thomas Morstead was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season and said the reliability of Drescher's snaps was a significant factor.
Herring, Will (LB)
A person familiar with the situation said Herring was being released by the Saints after two seasons with the club. Herring said on Twitter that he appreciated his time in New Orleans.
Herring, acquired as a free agent in 2011, played in all 16 games last season, starting one, and was credited with 13 tackles and one forced fumble.
Herring, acquired as a free agent in 2011, played in all 16 games last season, starting one, and was credited with 13 tackles and one forced fumble.
Smith, Will (DE)
People familiar with the situation say Smith and linebacker Jonathan Vilma have agreed to restructure their contracts in order to remain with the New Orleans Saints.
The 31-year-old Smith and 30-year-old Vilma, both veteran defensive captains who were implicated in the NFL's bounty probe, would have consumed about $23 million combined in salary cap space had they not agreed to new deals before the new league year - and free agency - began Tuesday afternoon.
The 31-year-old Smith and 30-year-old Vilma, both veteran defensive captains who were implicated in the NFL's bounty probe, would have consumed about $23 million combined in salary cap space had they not agreed to new deals before the new league year - and free agency - began Tuesday afternoon.
Vilma, Jonathan (LB)
People familiar with the situation say defensive end Will Smith and Vilma has agreed to restructure his contract in order to remain with the New Orleans Saints.
The 31-year-old Smith and 30-year-old Vilma, both veteran defensive captains who were implicated in the NFL's bounty probe, would have consumed about $23 million combined in salary cap space had they not agreed to new deals before the new league year - and free agency - began Tuesday afternoon.
The 31-year-old Smith and 30-year-old Vilma, both veteran defensive captains who were implicated in the NFL's bounty probe, would have consumed about $23 million combined in salary cap space had they not agreed to new deals before the new league year - and free agency - began Tuesday afternoon.
