ESPN insider is saying that the first thing NO has to do is try to trade Reggie Bush of Pierre Thomas, and that they cannot keep both. I really like Thomas over Bush but, don't know what they may want. He has a very cap friendly 4 year deal. Marion Barber is also expected to be released from Dallas.
I get a feeling that the Saints are going to rework Bush's contract. As much as I'd like to see him as a replacement for Patrick Cobbs, I don't think it's going to happen.
BTW, I wouldn't trade for any running back under any realistic circumstances. When is the last time a team got a good deal on a running back they traded for?
I was really under the impression that Mike Tolbert was a Restricted Free Agent but now I'm getting conflicting reports about that. If he's a legit free agent then I might pursue him, if things are falling out with DeAngelo Williams and Ahmad Bradshaw. I've been concerned that Tolbert's overly-physical style would take its toll on him health-wise, but the same was true of Mario Barber except it looks to me like that's already happened to Marion the Barbarian. At least it doesn't look like it's happened to Tolbert yet. He created a lot of missed tackles this year with his brute force style. And with 11 touchdowns, you know he's a good role player in the red zone. I think he's a lot better than Jason Snelling. I like watching a guy's worst games and best games to see how good and how bad it gets. I like when I see a guy's worst game statistically and I'm very impressed despite the stats. Watching Tolbert's Week 15, 17 carries for 46 yard performance against San Fran, statistically it looks bad (2.7 ypc) but you can't help but love the way he runs...even if it does seem risky down the road.
I would trade maybe up to a 4th rounder for Thomas. He was hurt most of last year but, did play the last games. I follow the Saints, as my 2nd team, and in 09 he was VVG, 147 carries, 793 yards, 5.4 avg, and 51 catches for 413, and an 8.1 avg. He would be a great fit with Daniel Thomas, and is 27 with low mileage. TNT.
I wouldn't trade a 4th for any RB that was hurt for most of last year. too risky. Tolbert was interesting idea from CK. a lineup of D Thomas + Tolbert + Sproles would be a great RB trio that could help transform our offense. or D Thomas + Bradshaw + Sproles if we want to spend more money
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/18983/breaking-down-pierre-thomas-contract Take a look at the contract. It does make a difference. JMO
Bush has more value to the Saints than any other team, because of how they run their offense. I would bet against him leaving NO, but you never know.
I don't really care for either Bush or Thomas. Both of them have too many positive mitigating circumstances to think the Dolphins could get something more out of them. They've got a great passing offense and while their OL isn't overall phenomenal, they've got two elite guards. Thomas I could live with, but Bush is not a very good player.
I don't want Bush but, do want Thomas for this team. He is not a DeAngelo Williams or a Bradshaw, although he can be as good or better. I have to consider the cost.
I just don't see how a team who doesn't really run the ball that much is going to be willing to commit 3.4 million to Thomas this season, plus a 1st round deal to Ingram whatever that may be, AND bring back a guy who has been, for the most part a disappointment. With the new kickoff rules Bush's value as a return man is diminished. So are the Saints really going to be willing to give between $3-$5 million (if he renegotiates) for a guy who's going to see 8-10 touches a game as the 3rd option at RB and prolly 4th option at WR? Look, I hate the Saints, even though they're supposed to be the home town team around here and I've see them do some really stupid things over the years but I would like to think that they're smarter than that.
