Friday, July 29, 2011

Saints Ink Last of Their “Big Three”, Hold on to Harper

The New Orleans Saints continue to score in the brief free agency period scooping up the last of their critical three unrestricted free agents, signing strong safety Roman Harper to a multiyear contract.

The Saints organization had not released the details of the pact but media reports have it valued at $28,000,000.00 for four years with most of it guaranteed.

The Saints had previously reached deals with wide receiver Lance Moore and left tackle Jermon Bushrod.

Though Harper was brutally victimized by the Seattle Seahawks’ offense in the wild card playoff game, the former University of Alabama standout has generally played well for the Black and Gold, particularly under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

Of the Saints’ free agents, Harper’s departure would have been the most difficult to address prior to the start of the regular season.

The Saints still have a number of positions to fill and a few more key personnel to try to retain, the most notable being starting center Jonathan Goodwin and backup tight end David Thomas.

Extending guard Carl Nicks’s tenure with the team is another priority though as a restricted free agent, the Saints have the final say on his departure for the 2011 season.

Harper, a second round selection in the 2006 NFL Draft, has gone to the last two Pro Bowls.

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