New Orleans Saints Strategy and Personnel 2009-02-24

Like a lot of other teams, the Saints prepared for the start of free agency by trimming some payroll. They got more than $1 million off the books when they cut veteran wide receiver David Patten and released running back Deuce McAllister, which created another $4 million of cap space.

The Saints won't likely make a big splash in free agency, which has been their method of operation for the last couple of seasons, but they still must make a few more moves to at least give them some money to work with.

--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.

--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.

--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.

--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.