Saints saved money in re-signing safety Sharper

Now we all know that veteran safety Darren Sharper will put on the No.12 New Orleans Saints jersey for one more season on a one-year contract. Well, some people said the Saints signed the veteran back because he is necessary to the team’s defense, but if so, why did not they put the franchise tag on Sharper earlier this offseason?

Placing a franchise tag on Sharper will also keep the safety with the Saints for another one year, but the cost would be $6.455 million, even higher than the $5 million Sharper previously asked for to match his performance in 2009 season. So the Saints actually saved as much as about $5 million by re-signing Sharper with a one-year contract worth about $1.5 million, 0.2 million less than the $1.7 million contract signed last offseason. The offer was made after Sharper received no big offer from other teams, so the Saints held the initiative to set the price, and they did not offer much.

The new contract also includes a $75,000 signing bonus and additional $1 million for roster bonus, which is usually avoided by teams before the due time. So, even though Sharpe managed to be selected to the Pro Bowl and had a league-high nine interceptions last season, his age and knee injury issue still prevented him from making more money.

Saints UFA safety Sharper is on the way to new team

Remaining an unrestricted free agent even a few days after the 2010 NFL draft ended the New Orleans Saints star safety Darren Sharper is not taking action to find a possible new team, among a few potential suitors like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys. Actually, Sharper is already having a plan to visit the Jaguars.

According to reports, there are not many teams having interests in Sharper, who is 35 years old, recovering from an offseason knee surgery, and had 71 tackles and 9 interceptions for the Saints last season. What makes it possible for him to go Jacksonville is that the Jaguars happened not to pick a safety in the three-day draft. There are also reports that the Dallas Cowboys are interested in adding an experienced veteran safety like Sharper, so the Dallas city could the next stop on Sharper’s travel for new team.

However, analysts have not ruled out the possibility of Sharper wearing back Saints jersey. After all, he had just played with the team for only one season and managed to earn a Super Bowl ring. The problem is Sharper is asking for a price that the Saints may not be willing to offer. If any side wants to keep the relationship, there would be a long-time contract negotiation.