Then again, the changes have already begun. The first big one was the hiring of veteran defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who took over after Gary Gibbs was fired a little more than a week after the season ended.

Now that Williams is on board, he and the Saints will begin the task of finding some players to help a defense that has finished 23rd and 26th in total yards allowed the last two seasons.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The Saints aren't expected to use the franchise or transition tags this year, but they do have a couple of key priorities among their list of players who could be eligible for free agency on Feb. 27.

The biggest names among their unrestricted free agents-to-be are middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who was their leading tackler this season, and right tackle Jon Stinchcomb, a three-year starter who has been a key to an offensive line that has allowed just 52 sacks in the last three seasons.

The Saints have made it clear they want Vilma back as well as right guard Jahri Evans, a restricted free agent who's started all 48 games since they selected him in the fourth round of the 2006 draft from tiny Division II Bloomsburg (Pa.) State.

TOP THREE TEAM NEEDS

1. Safety: The Saints have given up too many big pass plays over the top the last few seasons, so acquiring an instinctive free safety with strong cover skills and an ability to make plays all over the field is a must.

2. Cornerback: Tracy Porter earned a starting job as a rookie last summer and Randall Gay was solid as the nickel, but Mike McKenzie is getting up in age and finished the last two seasons on IR with major knee injuries.

3. Running back: It's unlikely that the Saints will bring back Deuce McAllister, so they need another bruiser in the backfield to complement Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, who is more of a third-down back than an every-down pounder.

MEDICAL WATCH: RB Reggie Bush had surgery on his left knee in mid-December, but is expected to be ready for minicamp in June.

--LCB Mike McKenzie tore the patellar tendon in his right knee in early November and, at the age of 33, has had two major surgeries on the same knee in less than 11 months.

--LDE Charles Grant had season-ending surgery on a torn triceps muscle in his left arm in early November, but should be full speed for off-season strength and conditioning drills.

--RCB Tracy Porter underwent surgery in October after he dislocated his right wrist, but is expected to be ready when the team's off-season program begins in late March.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--FS Josh Bullocks has outstanding speed but has struggled in pass coverage - especially on the deep ball -- and isn't likely to return.

--TE Mark Campbell finished the season on IR after having surgery on his knee, but could be re-signed because he's a valuable blocker.

--SLB Troy Evans has been a valuable special teams contributor the last two seasons and will likely be asked back.

--CB Aaron Glenn, a 15-year veteran, was bothered by an ankle problem all year and likely won't be re-signed.

--K Martin Gramatica isn't likely to be re-signed after rookie Garrett Hartley made all 13 of his field-goal attempts in the second half of the season.

--QB Joey Harrington was the third-stringer, which could make him expendable if the Saints want to go with a cheaper alternative.

--WR Devery Henderson was a starter this season, but he's been way too inconsistent at times and might not be re-signed.

--FS Terrence Holt was a late-season injury replacement and it's not known if the Saints want him back.

--DT Antwan Lake has been a solid backup in the middle and the Saints will likely try to re-sign him.

--CB Michael Lehan was a late-season injury replacement and could be re-signed.

--C/G Matt Lehr was a backup who was released several times when the Saints needed a roster spot, so he may or may not return.

--DT James Reed was signed during training camp, but tore his Achilles' tendon and won't be re-signed.

--RB Aaron Stecker has struggled with various leg problems the last couple of years and probably won't return.

--RT Jon Stinchcomb is a three-year starter who will likely be back if he doesn't get a better offer from someone else.

--MLB Jonathan Vilma was a key addition this season, plugging the middle and making plays all over the field which makes him their top priority.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--RG Jahri Evans has been a key run and pass blocker since he broke into the starting lineup as a rookie in 2006 and will be tendered.

--WR Lance Moore, a former street free agent, will likely be tendered after leading the team in receptions (79), receiving yards (928) and TD catches (10).

--WR Courtney Roby, a mid-season acquisition, may be tendered at a low level after impressing the coaches with his kickoff returns.

--T Zach Strief will probably be tendered after serving as a capable backup and filling in admirably as a starter in a pinch.

--CB Leigh Torrence was claimed off waivers as an injury replacement and may be tendered.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--K Garrett Hartley did an outstanding job on field goals and with his kickoffs after being signed at mid-season and will be tendered.

--MLB Marvin Mitchell has been a solid special teams player and will be tendered.

--SS Chris Reis has contributed mainly on special teams and will likely be tendered.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.

PLAYERS LOST

--WR David Patten (released).