Saints Trade Jimmy Graham to Seahawks!

That's a shocker. But I've thought for a couple of years he was a little soft. The rebuilding has begun.

I called this when they gave him his contract last year. I just didn't see it lasting.

But hey, now we're stockpiling draft picks and trying to get better on the lines, and those are steps 1 and 2 to becoming a better NFL team. Hope the Saints can find a QB they think will learn well from Drew, because it's time to walk down that road too.

Saints get a center and the Seahawks 1st pick which is the last of the round. Doesn't look like enough.

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Originally Posted by Cool Hand Clyde

Saints get a center and the Seahawks 1st pick which is the last of the round. Doesn't look like enough.

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The devil is in the details, but based on what we know right now I would have to agree with you.

I think Graham had become a cancer in N.O.. He was NOT happy with losing in arbitration and he "mailed it in" last season. Now, for his sake, he can start anew, with Seattle rightly telling him, "hey! we agree you shoulda got more, but..." And, don't blame us for your salary dispute either.

For the Saints, well, one of the two over-paid cry babies is gone. The other should be "shifted off to Buffalo."

Good riddance Graham...very selfish player in a team sport.

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Originally Posted by MiloBumP

Good riddance Graham...very selfish player in a team sport.

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Yep, he was a wuss too. Wanted WR money and played TE like a WR.

I actually like the trade. A 2 time pro Bowler center (only 3 sacks allowed in his 4 year career) plus a extra 1st round pick this year. Great centers are harder to find than TE's that actually are bad blocking WR's.

Max Unger is one of the top 3 Centers in all of the NFL. Saints get a 28-year-old 2 timePro Bowl anchor for the offensive line for a long time.

**Saints will save $27 million in 2016-2017 cap space from Graham trade**

He's a 2x Pro Bowler and made First Team All Pro in 2012. He'll turn 29 next month. Graham is 29.

He helped make Lynch the beast he is today.

Seattle averaged 50 more yards a game rushing with Unger in the lineup than without.

Max Unger's Overall PFF Grades: '09: 6.1 '10: -0.5 '11: 7.4 '12: 26.2 '13: 1.9 '14: 12.4 #Saints aren't dumb.

http://saintsreport.com/forums/attac...rged-image.jpg

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

I actually like the trade. A 2 time pro Bowler center (only 3 sacks allowed in his 4 year career) plus a extra 1st round pick this year. Great centers are harder to find than TE's that actually are bad blocking WR's.

Max Unger is one of the top 3 Centers in all of the NFL. Saints get a 28-year-old Pro Bowl anchor for the offensive line.

He helped make

He's a 2x Pro Bowler and made First Team All Pro in 2012. He'll turn 29 next month. Graham is 29.

Seattle averaged 50 more yards a game rushing with Unger in the lineup than without.

Max Unger's Overall PFF Grades: '09: 6.1 '10: -0.5 '11: 7.4 '12: 26.2 '13: 1.9 '14: 12.4 #Saints aren't dumb.

http://saintsreport.com/forums/attac...rged-image.jpg

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Plus check this out. La Tech's Tramon Williams opposite Keenan Lewis!!!!! Yes 2 home town guys!!

Tramon Williams will visit Saints tonight!1 DON'T LET HIM LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT SIGNING LOOMIS!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...EjqyBvUA2o#t=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...lzszTUaEUA#t=0

Getting Tramon would be huge.

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

Getting Tramon would be huge.

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Once the make more cap room by trading Brees next.

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Originally Posted by RhythmDawg

Once the make more cap room by trading Brees next.

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"Not gonna happen. Wouldn't be prudent."

Unger only played in 6 games last season because of knee and ankle injuries. I hope he is healthy next season.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

I think Graham had become a cancer in N.O.. He was NOT happy with losing in arbitration and he "mailed it in" last season. Now, for his sake, he can start anew, with Seattle rightly telling him, "hey! we agree you shoulda got more, but..." And, don't blame us for your salary dispute either.

For the Saints, well, one of the two over-paid cry babies is gone. The other should be "shifted off to Buffalo."

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That shoulda been "shuffled" off to Buffalo.

Regardless, trade Brees for "too much!" Draft a QB and start over.

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Originally Posted by RhythmDawg

Once the make more cap room by trading Brees next.

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Missed out on Nick Foles

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Originally Posted by Cool Hand Clyde

Missed out on Nick Foles

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Nah. I bet the rams would swap.

Michael Vick is available. :)

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Originally Posted by dawg80

That shoulda been "shuffled" off to Buffalo.

Regardless, trade Brees for "too much!" Draft a QB and start over.

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Its not that simple. There are maybe 7 top notch QBs in this league the rest are borderline scrubs. We can't just pull a HOFer out of our A$$es.

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Originally Posted by RhythmDawg

Nah. I bet the rams would swap.

Michael Vick is available. :)

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Nah, Vick would be perfect for JJ after trading Romo. Just like he loved the running QB Carter when he drafted him in the second round (53rd). Of course that was after trading away two first round picks for Joey Galloway.:D

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

Its not that simple. There are maybe 7 top notch QBs in this league the rest are borderline scrubs. We can't just pull a HOFer out of our A$$es.

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Drew is deteriorating. Get something for him while you can. He is the reason we're so cash strapped. I'm thankful for him, but I think it's time to move on.

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

Drew is deteriorating. Get something for him while you can. He is the reason we're so cash strapped. I'm thankful for him, but I think it's time to move on.

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Agreed, but it understandably won't happen this year after dealing Graham and not having a surefire option to replace him.

I also don't see a QB in this year's draft that the Saints would consider worth drafting as a potential replacement, but stranger things have happened.

From USA Today.

Graham, Foles and more: Early winners and losers from NFL trades | USA TODAY Sports Wire Quote: Winners: New Orleans Saints Losing Jimmy Graham might look like a step backwards for the Saints offense, but it could end up being a net positive. Drew Brees is at his most effective when he has to climb the pocket and drive the ball; but with mediocre interior line play, there was no room to do so last season. Acquiring Unger should remedy that. The Saints also picked up a first round pick in the deal, which can be used to find Graham’s replacement. Michigan’s Devin Funchess, a talented receiver who could make the switch to tight end, could be that guy. Losers: Jimmy Graham Graham just went from a future Hall of Fame quarterback and one of the most creative offensive minds to a run-first team with a quarterback who operates best out of structure. There will be games where Graham doesn’t get the targets he’s used to, and that will take a toll on his stats. Wait and See: Seattle Seahawks The Seahawks landed the best player in the Graham-Unger deal but took on a lot of risk to do so. Graham has been constantly injured and may be a bad fit in Seattle’s locker room given his past feuds with Michael Bennett and Bruce Irvin. He also comes with a large cap hit and will cost the Seahawks a first round pick. The last time the Seahawks made a similar move, it didn’t work out so great. Just ask Percy Harvin. Drew Brees Brees should have a cleaner pocket to work with in 2015, which should result in marked improvement for the Saints downfield passing game. Brees missed on a lot of deep opportunities because of poor protection, but many of those downfield shots were directed at Graham, who is now gone. But don’t forget: The Saints were lighting up scoreboards well before Graham arrived in New Orleans.

I bet we see reports of Graham complaining about a lack of touches by week 5-6 of the season.

Rumor is out that Brees to Bucs for 1st pick. It's just a rumor but Saints did meet with James Winston at combine.

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

Rumor is out that Brees to Bucs for 1st pick. It's just a rumor but Saints did meet with James Winston at combine.

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Gross. That would be the last straw. I can understand trading Brees, that's just business. But don't replace him with a thug who isn't going to work out.

Jameis in NO would be like a kid in a candy store if the kid was a college thug and the candy store was full of drugs and hookers.

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Originally Posted by Blue Dawg

Gross. That would be the last straw. I can understand trading Brees, that's just business. But don't replace him with a thug who isn't going to work out.

Jameis in NO would be like a kid in a candy store if the kid was a college thug and the candy store was full of drugs and hookers.

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I wouldn't be happy with that either, but think what 3 first rounders could do for us. I would rather trade 1st pick Draft Mario and get a 3rd rounder. Rebuild complete.

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

I wouldn't be happy with that either, but think what 3 first rounders could do for us. I would rather trade 1st pick Draft Mario and get a 3rd rounder. Rebuild complete.

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I'd rather have Mariota than Winston, yes. Winston just doesn't look like an NFL qb to me. Mariota is closer.

I can't stand Winston but they said he was flawless in his interviews and at the combine. I prefer Mario but am not sold on any of them.

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Originally Posted by Blue Dawg

I'd rather have Mariota than Winston, yes. Winston just doesn't look like an NFL qb to me. Mariota is closer.

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Winston is the next Jamarcus Russell. Book it.

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

Rumor is out that Brees to Bucs for 1st pick. It's just a rumor but Saints did meet with James Winston at combine.

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Or is Loomis trying to send a message to Brees that he needs to take a pay cut.

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Originally Posted by Built4Speed

Winston is the next Jamarcus Russell. Book it.

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Been saying this for several years.

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Originally Posted by The Historian

Or is Loomis trying to send a message to Brees that he needs to take a pay cut.

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I don't know, but I sure as hell don't want Winston as our QB.

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Originally Posted by Blue Dawg

I'd rather have Mariota than Winston, yes. Winston just doesn't look like an NFL qb to me. Mariota is closer.

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I have no idea what you are talking about here. Without the off field issues, there would be no doubt Winston is #1. Mariota is the one that has the most on field question marks.

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

Drew is deteriorating. Get something for him while you can. He is the reason we're so cash strapped. I'm thankful for him, but I think it's time to move on.

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No way. Brees brought us to the promise land, and he can stay as long as he wants.

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Originally Posted by deadawg

I have no idea what you are talking about here. Without the off field issues, there would be no doubt Winston is #1. Mariota is the one that has the most on field question marks.

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I feel like Drew has a few more good years in him and this class does not have THAT GUY for us. Keep him and fill some holes with those draft picks.

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Originally Posted by Cool Hand Clyde

Saints get a center and the Seahawks 1st pick which is the last of the round. Doesn't look like enough.

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An All-Pro center, three picks in the first 45 in the draft and $25 million in future cap room, which is probably the most important aspect of this deal because Loomis has been kicking that can down the road for a while now.

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Originally Posted by theprofessor

An All-Pro center, three picks in the first 45 in the draft and $25 million in future cap room, which is probably the most important aspect of this deal because Loomis has been kicking that can down the road for a while now.

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$2 million in cap room for 2015. Not enough. Would like to have seen another pick this year, 3 or 4 rounder at least

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Originally Posted by theprofessor

An All-Pro center, three picks in the first 45 in the draft and $25 million in future cap room, which is probably the most important aspect of this deal because Loomis has been kicking that can down the road for a while now.

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This and its too bad we aren't going to use any of those picks on something cool like a QB,RB, or TE.

Rumored to be a bad rumor by a taxi driver per Brees being traded. :D

I saw it on dead pelican and on twitter. It is all being traced back to the same source which is not credible.

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Originally Posted by Champ967

No way. Brees brought us to the promise land, and he can stay as long as he wants.

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Nope...no man is greater than the franchise. It's not easy, but the big boy franchises realize it. Time to make the tough calls (I'm all about letting him stay if he'll restructure and agree to train his replacement).

In my opinion, Brees earned his money when he led the Saints to the franchise's first Super Bowl title. It was really the first time in his career he'd been paid like a premier quarterback. People forget that when he signed in New Orleans, he was injured and had been let go by San Diego, and he didn't exactly command top dollar. He hasn't been paid like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning or really even Aaron Rodgers during his career. It's hard to ask him to take a pay cut.

Better offensive and defensive line play will be key for Saints to win. That should be able to improve. Also, less Jimmy means more Colston. He and Brees are a great combo. With more time in the pocket, we should see a lot more of that connection.

All this talk about Brees being traded is a bunch of BS. If the Saints trade Brees for Jameis Winston, I'll walk from Las Vegas to New Orleans in a Mardi Gras Indian outfit, doing the Stanky Leg the whole way.

Brees is 36, and his production dropped last year, but his O-line protection was awful. Unger will make a big difference, but the two guards probably need to take a pay cut, or one of them might be released. Manning and Brady are both older than Brees and he can still get it done at their level when he has time in the pocket. His cap hit next year (2016) is too much. So, depending on his play this year, they will probably either extend his contract before next season, to lower the cap hit, or they might release him. I won't believe that they will cut him until I see it. It would be great to start grooming his replacement, but those guys aren't just out walking the street. If we lose Brees, who is the replacement? He isn't getting traded.

Graham was a great pass catching TE, but he didn't block well. There is also a (somewhat credible) rumor that he pouted all year because he didn't get WR money in his dispute last offseason. There are not any TEs in this draft with Graham's physical gifts, but there are some who are good enough....and they won't get alligator arms when they go across the middle.

Two interesting things to watch:
1. The physical for Unger. He missed time with injuries last season, and if he isn't fit, the Saints might ask for more compensation, like an additional 7th round pick.

2. The Saints can't miss in this year's draft like they did last year. They blew it last year with Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Tavon Rooks. It's great to get an extra first round pick, but it's only as good as the player you pick with it.

+1

Everyone assumes Brees wants to stay in New Orleans. I'd imagine he's interested in winning another SB before he retires, and that won't happen in NO in the next 3 years.

The Saints have two very good tight ends. Ben Watson was a starter in New England until the murderer and the hipster showed up. The other kid could start for other teams as well.

Marques Colston can pick up some of the slack with the Graham alignments. He entered the league as a tight end.

Marques Colston is the most underrated Saint ever IMHO. He has had six 1,000 yard seasons as a WR and never even made a Pro Bowl. That's a joke. He is also a great character guy who never makes a scene or demands more attention which is absolutely rare at the WR position. I hope he catches 1,400 yards next season with Graham gone.

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Originally Posted by RhythmDawg

Everyone assumes Brees wants to stay in New Orleans. I'd imagine he's interested in winning another SB before he retires, and that won't happen in NO in the next 3 years.

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I agree that he wants to win another ring, but I don't think he wants to leave New Orleans. Aside from getting an entirely new set of receivers, Brees would be in a new offense and he doesn't want to leave Sean Payton. This has been discussed before, but Brees knows his numbers wouldn't be nearly the same if he had decided to join Nick Saban at Miami instead of Payton in NO.

Every player says it's about the team, but they also think about their stats and personal legacy, even if they don't admit it. Brees in another offense would probably decline in production and would have to deal with the same "age" talk that Favre had to deal with in his last several seasons. Instead, he's being discussed as a future hall of famer who had a down year. Starting over in the NFL at age 36 is probably something Brees has no desire to do.

New Orleans still has a shot at another Super Bowl. Its a small one but far better than with another team. By getting rid of Graham, they are now going to be able to get a few more weapons on both sides of the ball and go for it one last time.

Wheeling and dealing!!!:D

SAINTS DEAL WITH NEW ENGLAND'S CB BRANDON BROWNER “ALMOST FINISHED”


Saints trade Ben Grubbs to Chiefs for fifth-round pick




A source with knowledge of the situation tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler the Saints "appear" to have placed every member of their roster on the trade block "but Drew Brees and Brandin Cooks."

Fowler reports the Saints want a "complete retool." Everyone "but Brees and Cooks" is obvious hyperbole, but there's no doubt New Orleans is undergoing a massive makeover, having dealt Ben Grubbs and Jimmy Graham already, while allegedly placing rising star Kenny Stills on the trade block. From ownership on down, the future of the Saints is in serious question after a 7-9 year.

They also traded Ben Grubbs for a 5th rounder to the KC Chiefs.

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

Wheeling and dealing!!!:D

SAINTS DEAL WITH NEW ENGLAND'S CB BRANDON BROWNER “ALMOST FINISHED”


Saints trade Ben Grubbs to Chiefs for fifth-round pick




A source with knowledge of the situation tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler the Saints "appear" to have placed every member of their roster on the trade block "but Drew Brees and Brandin Cooks."

Fowler reports the Saints want a "complete retool." Everyone "but Brees and Cooks" is obvious hyperbole, but there's no doubt New Orleans is undergoing a massive makeover, having dealt Ben Grubbs and Jimmy Graham already, while allegedly placing rising star Kenny Stills on the trade block. From ownership on down, the future of the Saints is in serious question after a 7-9 year.

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This would be a crazy 1,2,3 punch with Mark Ingram, CJ Spiller and Khiry Robinson.

STRONG MUTUAL INTEREST EXISTS BETWEEN SAINTS, SPILLER
http://www.latechbbb.com/forum/webki...678386495.jpeg

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Originally Posted by RhythmDawg

Once the make more cap room by trading Brees next.

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Hopefully this past year is not indicative of what to expect this season. After this past year though, he is certainly shouldn't be off the table for trading if the price was right. He was a huge part of why they lost last year.

Wow! Continuing to load up on picks.

Report: Saints Trade WR Kenny Stills To Dolphins For LB Dannell ...

https://nfltraderumors.co/report-saints-in-process-of-trading-wr-kenny-stills- to-the-dolphins/‎


3 minutes ago ... Update: Pro Football Talk reports that the Saints are sending WR Kenny Stills to the Dolphins for LB Dannell Ellerbe and a third-round pick.

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

Wow! Continuing to load up on picks.

Report: Saints Trade WR Kenny Stills To Dolphins For LB Dannell ...

https://nfltraderumors.co/report-saints-in-process-of-trading-wr-kenny-stills- to-the-dolphins/‎


3 minutes ago ... Update: Pro Football Talk reports that the Saints are sending WR Kenny Stills to the Dolphins for LB Dannell Ellerbe and a third-round pick.

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And now Saints sign CJ Spiller!!! Sproles #2 here we come.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=5IldpoY5kkk

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

Rumor is out that Brees to Bucs for 1st pick. It's just a rumor but Saints did meet with James Winston at combine.

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There are very few things that would change my loyalties- Winston on the team would do that. I hope that never happens!

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Originally Posted by RhythmDawg

Everyone assumes Brees wants to stay in New Orleans. I'd imagine he's interested in winning another SB before he retires, and that won't happen in NO in the next 3 years.

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Unless he picks up his play from last year, it will not happen with him as the starter.

9 count them 9 Draft picks. 5 in the first 3 rounds. We could see the start of a rebuild. Brandon Cooks appears to be a part of that.

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

9 count them 9 Draft picks. 5 in the first 3 rounds. We could see the start of a rebuild. Brandon Cooks appears to be a part of that.

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I really think it's good. It's better than doing nothing. At least we're trying. Remember that Sean P has had some real gems in the draft...let's hope we're getting back to that.

Attachment 12530

Attachment 12531

Attachment 12532

Gonna need a program fer sure

Rumors abound that Saints are gonna trade up to get Mariotta, and this season is Brees' last in the Big Easy.

http://www.inquisitr.com/1940633/new...rew-brees-era/


This could be very interesting as Mariotta is said to fit our offense very well but his stock is fading due to not playing in a pro style offense. Some are saying he is not a sure bet, but I wold prefer him well over Winston.

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

Rumors abound that Saints are gonna trade up to get Mariotta, and this season is Brees' last in the Big Easy.

http://www.inquisitr.com/1940633/new...rew-brees-era/


This could be very interesting as Mariotta is said to fit our offense very well but his stock is fading due to not playing in a pro style offense. Some are saying he is not a sure bet, but I wold prefer him well over Winston.

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I would as well.

Excellent trade for the Saints so far!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

Excellent trade for the Saints so far!!!!!!

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I aint shedding any tears. Graham was good while he was here but he's not more important than the organization. And so far that's been proven.

Graham is doing nothing in Seattle. Which is really a reflection of the lack of offensive savvy of Pete Carroll. Graham is a self-serving azz, but he is still a tremendous talent, being wasted out there.

Meanwhile, the Saints are getting it going on offense. It's just that our defense is the absolute worst in the NFL. Ryan needs to be fired.

:D The Saints smoked the Hawks on this trade even before Graham got hurt.

ProFootball Focus - Jimmy Graham Trade Disaster for Seahawks https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...-graham-trade/

Yeah but the Saints are done and the seasickhawks are playoff bound.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Yeah but the Saints are done and the seasickhawks are playoff bound.

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They are now, without him.

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Originally Posted by Cool Hand Clyde

They are now, without him.

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Addition by subtraction, imo.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Yeah but the Saints are done and the seasickhawks are playoff bound.

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But we will have All Pro C Unger and Rookie of the Year candidate LB S. Anthony for years. Graham is toast.