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New Orleans Saints

-- Source: Victor Butler Tears ACL --
Wed Jun 12, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports Saints LB Victor Butler tore his ACL during Tuesday's OTA session, according to a source.

-- Saints Sign Chris Carr --
Tue Jun 11, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have signed free-agent CB Chris Carr.

-- Saints RB Watch - Ingram Runs with Second Unit --
Tue Jun 11, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports Saints RB Pierre Thomas and RB Darren Sproles have been receiving the vast majority of the snaps with the first-team offense during these last three weeks of workouts and practices. Thomas, predictably, tallied most of the carries when comparing Sproles' workload as a traditional running back with Sproles wearing different hats depending on the play called. RB Mark Ingram is lining up with the second unit. It's a different direction from the way Saints HC Sean Payton used Ingram in the past. Ingram received the most carries of any running back during his rookie season with Payton on the sideline, and the trend continue last season with Payton sitting in exile. WR Travaris Cadet is working primarily as a running back with the third team as opposed to being bounced around from tailback to wide receiver last season. Payton has said he thinks Cadet is capable of handling being more of a pure running back and the duties that come with it in the blocking scheme. But Cadet did make a couple of nice catches out of the backfield during minicamp. So what does all of this mean? Well, it's still a near guarantee that Payton will go with the hot hand rather than stubbornly force feed one back. The philosophy worked very well in 2011 when the Saints finished in the top six in the NFL in rushing. There will also be less juggling and guesswork for Payton without RB Chris Ivory on the roster.

-- Keenan Lewis Returns to Practice --
Wed Jun 5, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports Saints CB Keenan Lewis (stomach) returned to OTA practice on Wednesday.

-- Jimmy Graham Impressive --
Tue Jun 4, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports Saints TE Jimmy Graham was the most impressive player on the field during Tuesday's minicamp practice, leaping up for an outstanding one-handed touchdown grab at one point. He also caught a strike through traffic up the middle during team drills, among other plays. Graham is obviously coming along well after having wrist surgery at the end of last season.

-- Joe Morgan Arrested for DUI --
Wed May 29, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports New Orleans Saints WR Joe Morgan was arrested in Jefferson Parish early Saturday morning for allegedly driving while intoxicated. State Police booked Morgan, 25, with DWI and driving with no license, according to arrest reports. A trooper happened upon Morgan sometime around midnight Saturday, asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle on the Earhart Expressway near Causeway Boulevard in Jefferson, the arrest report said. The trooper woke Morgan and had him step out of the vehicle. But the trooper noticed Morgan seemed intoxicated, according to the report. He was swaying on his feet, smelled of alcohol and had unsteady balance and bloodshot eyes, the report said. After Morgan performed poorly on a field sobriety test, the trooper arrested him and took him the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Morgan's blood alcohol content registered 0.218 percent, more than twice the 0.08-percent legal limit, the arrest report said. A records check revealed that Morgan did not have a valid driver's license, the report said. Morgan was booked Saturday at the Gretna jail. He was released the same day on a $1,150 bond.

-- Joe Morgan Working on Route-Running Techniques --
Fri May 24, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports Saints WR Joe Morgan is working to improve his short-to-intermediate route running techniques.

-- Roman Harper Restructures --
Fri May 24, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports Saints S Roman Harper has signed a restructured contract. NFL.com adds Harper signed an extension that includes $4 million fully guaranteed in Year #1. He was set to make $5.25 million in 2013.

-- Saints Injury Update --
Thu May 23, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports News Orleans Saints OT Charles Brown is starting the 2013 season much like he finished 2012. Brown was held out of practice Thursday, instead doing drills on the sideline with trainers. OT Jason Smith started in his place during Thursday's practice. Saints HC Sean Payton didn't specify as to the nature of Brown's injury, only saying that it occurred in the weight room during the offseason. LB Jonathan Vilma, LB David Hawthorne and DE Kenyon Coleman weren't at practice. S Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) and TE Ben Watson didn't participate in team drills. S Roman Harper missed the first few minutes of practice, but participated fully. Payton also declined to elaborate on Vilma, Hawthorne, or Coleman. "We just didn't practice 'em," he said, but added there were no significant injuries.

-- Saints Sign Two --
Sun May 12, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Saints have signed undrafted free-agent rookies CB Korey Lindsey and WR Brent Leonard.

-- Mark Ingram Finally Fully Healthy --
Fri May 10, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports it's still very early in the 2013 offseason. But so far, all signs are pointing toward a big year for New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram. Not a "breakout" year, per se, since Ingram will still have to share the workload with standout RB Darren Sproles and RB Pierre Thomas. But Ingram certainly should have his most productive year to date in his third NFL season. For one thing, the Saints traded RB Chris Ivory, turning a four-way tailback logjam into a three-man rotation. For another thing, Saints HC Sean Payton has made it clear that he intends to make an improved run game one of his top priorities this season. And perhaps most noteworthy, Ingram is fully healthy this offseason for the first time since he left Alabama for the NFL in 2011. "I've just been working hard this offseason, trying to get in the best shape of my life," said the 5-foot-9, 215-pounder, who spent last summer recovering from toe surgery and a minor knee surgery.

-- Saints Sign Five Rookies --
Thu May 9, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have signed rookies S Kenny Vaccaro, NT John Jenkins, OT Terron Armstead, WR Kenny Stills, and DE Rufus Johnson to four-year contracts.

-- Saints Sign 13 --
Mon Apr 29, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have signed QB Ryan Griffin, LB Eric Martin, LB Kevin Reddick, LB Rayford Shipman, LB Chase Thomas, DE Glenn Foster, TE Josh Hill, RB Shawne Alston, CB Ryan Lacy, CB Rod Sweeting, C Elliot Mealer, OG Tim Lelito and TE Keavon Milton.

-- Chris Ivory Watch --
Wed Apr 24, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Star Ledger reports there is currently no movement on a RB Chris Ivory deal to the Jets this week yet. However, there is the sense is that something could happen at the last minute, but nothing is imminent.

-- Scott Fujita Retires as a Saint --
Mon Apr 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports LB Scott Fujita, an 11-year NFL veteran who has played for the Chiefs, Cowboys, Saints, and Browns, will retire from the NFL as a member of the team with which he won a Super Bowl championship. Fujita has signed a one-day contract with the New Orleans Saints.

-- Saints Re-Sign Chris Ivory --
Fri Apr 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have re-signed restricted free-agent RB Chris Ivory to a one-year, $2.023 million contract.

-- Chris Ivory Trade Watch --
Mon Apr 15, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports if the New York Jets' best offer to the Saints to acquire RB Chris Ivory is a sixth- or seventh-round draft pick, it's probably not worth it for the Saints. Although they don't use Ivory that much, they do love the luxury of having great depth at the tailback position. That position suffers more wear and tear than any other position on the roster, and injuries routinely creep up.

-- Saints Sign Seneca Wallace --
Mon Apr 15, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the Saints have signed free-agent QB Seneca Wallace to a one-year contract.

-- Saints Sign Jason Smith --
Thu Apr 11, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have signed free-agent OT Jason Smith to a one-year contract.

-- Saints Re-Sign Brian De La Puente --
Tue Apr 9, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Saints have re-signed restricted free-agent C Brian De La Puente to a one-year, $2.023 million contract.

-- Saints Sign Jim Leonhard --
Mon Apr 8, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have signed free-agent S Jim Leonhard to a one-year contract.

-- Saints; Luke McCown Agree to Contract --
Mon Apr 1, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports the New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms with free-agent QB Luke McCown on a one-year contract.

-- Saints Sign Kenyon Coleman --
Fri Mar 29, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports the New Orleans Saints have signed free-agent DE Kenyon Coleman.

-- Saints Sign Victor Butler --
Thu Mar 28, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports free-agent LB Victor Butler has signed with the New Orleans Saints.

-- Jimmy Graham Watch --
Fri Mar 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

Yahoo! Sports reports New Orleans Saints HC Sean Payton said he has no intention of changing the way he uses TE Jimmy Graham just to get around a possible showdown over whether the player is considered a tight end or a wide receiver in free agency. "We're going to do whatever we have to do to win games, whether that's line him up wide, in the slot, three yards off the tackle, five yards off the tackle or right next to the tackle, whatever," Payton said in reference to the tight end. Graham is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the 2013 season. While the Saints would like to get a long-term deal done with him before the end of the season, New Orleans faces some salary-cap issues. That means that the team might be forced to put a franchise tag on Graham next offseason to prevent it from losing him to another team. The rub is that the franchise tag for a tight end is far less expensive than it is for a wide receiver. This year, the difference is approximately $4.5 million on the cap ($6 million for a tight end and $10.5 million for a wide receiver).

-- Saints Re-Sign Will Herring --
Thu Mar 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

WWLTV.com reports the New Orleans Saints have re-signed LB Will Herring to a one-year contract.

-- Saints to Host Victor Butler --
Wed Mar 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

CBS Sports reports free-agent LB Victor Butler will visit with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.

-- Saints to Sign Watson & Humber --
Mon Mar 18, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Saints have reached a three-year deal with unrestricted free-agent TE Benjamin Watson and a one-year deal with LB Ramon Humber, the team announced Monday.

-- Saints Re-Sign Courtney Roby --
Sun Mar 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Saints have re-signed free-agent WR/KR Courtney Roby.

-- Saints to Host Nnamdi Asomugha --
Sat Mar 16, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

CSNBayArea.com reports free-agent CB Nnamdi Asomugha is scheduled to visit the New Orleans Saints tomorrow, according to a source

-- Saints Not Actively Pursuing Elvis Dumveril --
Sat Mar 16, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports that the Saints are not actively pursuing free-agent DE Elvis Dumveril.

-- Saints Sign Keenan Lewis --
Thu Mar 14, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Chicago Sun-Times reports the New Orleans Saints have signed free-agent CB Keenan Lewis to a five-year, $26 million contract, including $11 million guaranteed.

-- Saints Re-Sign Justin Drescher --
Wed Mar 13, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

Scout.com reports the New Orleans Saints have re-signed LS Justin Drescher to a four-year contract.

-- Saints Restructure Smith & Vilma --
Tue Mar 12, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports in moves that have been anticipated for months, New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith and LB Jonathan Vilma restructured their contracts to remain with the Saints in 2013, according to a source. The moves were essential for the Saints slide under the salary cap by Tuesday's 3 p.m. deadline.

-- Saints Release Will Herring --
Tue Mar 12, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have released LB Will Herring.

-- Jermon Bushrod Watch --
Mon Mar 11, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

SI.com reports impending free-agent OT Jermon Bushrod has a 50-50 chance to re-sign with the New Orleans Saints.

-- Saints Re-Sign Junior Galette --
Sat Mar 9, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports after initially placing a second-round tender on DE/LB Junior Galette, the New Orleans Saints have made a longer commitment to the defensive end/linebacker. The team just announced it has signed Galette to a three-year contract.

-- Saints Tender Offers to Ivory & Others --
Sat Mar 9, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports Friday night the New Orleans Saints placed the second-round tender on restricted free-agent RB Chris Ivory. But the running back isn’t the only one getting that tender. C Brian de la Puente and DE Junior Galette also have been designated for the $2.023 million tender. Other teams can make offers, but the Saints would have the right of first refusal and would receive a second-round pick if either player were to leave. The tender is likely to prevent other teams from making offers. De la Puente has emerged as a solid starter and Galette should have a chance to be an edge rusher as the Saints switch to a 3-4 defense.

-- Saints Restructure Brodrick Bunkley --
Mon Mar 4, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints continue to work frantically to get under the salary cap. The latest move is the restructuring of the contract of DT Brodrick Bunkley. Bunkley had been scheduled to count $4.7 million against the cap. But the new deal drops his cap hit to $2.5 million. Bunkley had been scheduled to make $3.7 million in base salary. But the Saints wrote him a check for a $3 million signing bonus and dropped his base salary to $750,000.

-- Jermon Bushrod Watch --
Fri Mar 1, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

NFL.com reports with the offensive tackle market flooded, the New Orleans Saints have made it clear they want to re-signed impending free-agent OT Jermon Bushrod. However, they have to work through their salary capsituation first. The sides are expected to talk next week.

-- Saints Restructure Four; Ask Two More for Paycuts --
Wed Feb 27, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have restructured the contracts of WR Marques Colston, OG Ben Grubbs, OG Jahri Evans, and LB David Hawthorne. Also, the team has offered LB Jonathan Vilma and DE Will Smith paycuts to stay on the roster.

-- Saints Name Wesley McGriff --
Tue Feb 26, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports the New Orleans Saints have named Wesley McGriff defensive backs coach.

-- Saints Won't Franchise Jermon Bushrod --
Fri Feb 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the New Orleans Saints do not plan to use their franchise tag on starting OT Jermon Bushrod. He will be an unrestricted free agent.

-- Saints Release Two --
Tue Feb 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Saints have released TE David Thomas and CB Johnny Patrick.

-- Saints Want Vilma & Smith to Restructure --
Mon Feb 18, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the New Orleans Saints will ask LB Jonathan Vilma and DE Will Smith, two players the NFL linked to its bounty scandal, to restructure their contracts.

-- Saints Name Dan Rousher; Move Bret Ingalls --
Sat Feb 16, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

WWLTV.com reports league sources say the New Orleans Saints have hired Dan Rousher as their new running backs coach. The team also moved Bret Ingalls to offensive line coach.

-- Curtis Lofton Restructures --
Fri Feb 15, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports New Orleans Saints LB Curtis Lofton has restructured the contract he signed as a free agent last offseason, according to a league source. Lofton’s cap figure was scheduled to be $7.1 million. But the Saints were able to drop that number to $3.1 million by replacing a scheduled $5 million roster bonus with a $5 million signing bonus that will be pro-rated over the remainder of the contract.

-- Saints Re-Sign Two --
Thu Feb 14, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have re-signed TE Michael Higgins and OG Eric Olsen.

-- Saints Re-Sign Rafael Bush --
Mon Feb 11, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Saints have re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent S Rafael Bush to a one-year contract.

-- Saints Name Stan Kwan --
Sat Feb 9, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the New Orleans Saints have named Stan Kwan assistant special teams coach.

-- Saints Officially Name Rob Ryan --
Sat Feb 9, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reports the New Orleans Saints have officially named Rob Ryan their new defensive coordinator.

-- Sources: Saints to Name Rob Ryan --
Tue Feb 5, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the New Orleans Saints plan to hire former Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Rob Ryan as their new defensive coordinator, according to league sources.

-- Jimmy Graham Rehab Watch --
Thu Jan 31, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

NFL.com reports New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham (wrist surgery) has started rehab following surgery this month to repair a lingering wrist injury, saying "everything's going well" in the recovery process. He was asked if he's spoken to Saints HC Sean Payton since his bounty-related suspension was lifted. "I haven't talked to him yet, I was going to go by his office today, been very busy as you can see," he said. "I'm just glad to have him back. He's our leader. I'm just ready to really sit down and speak with him and see what he did with his time off."

-- Saints to Work Out Chad Jones --
Tue Jan 29, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports according to a report from WWL-TV, the New Orleans Saints want to have S Chad Jones in for a workout. Jones had his career derailed by a June 2010 car accident in New Orleans that left him with serious injuries to his left leg that led to some fear he would have difficulty walking again. He worked diligently to eliminate that fear and kept working to try to return to the Giants, who had drafted him in the third round that year. Jones was never able to get back on the field, though, and the Giants waived him last May. The prospect of Jones, who grew up in New Orleans and went to LSU, making a comeback with the Saints after three years trying to get back what he lost in the accident sounds like something Hollywood would dream up. It also makes it pretty easy to root for.

-- Saints Extend GM Mickey Loomis --
Mon Jan 28, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

USA Today reports the New Orleans Saints have extended GM Mickey Loomis through the 2017 season.

-- King Believe Saints Will Hire Romeo Crennel as Their New DC --
Mon Jan 28, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

SI.com's Peter King reports that he believes the New Orleans Saints will hire Romeo Crennel as their new defensive coordinator.

-- Jimmy Graham Undergoes Wrsit Surgery --
Fri Jan 25, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham had surgery to repair his lingering wrist injury earlier this month, a league source confirmed. As a result, Graham had to turn down the opportunity to play in the Pro Bowl when starter TE Tony Gonzalez also pulled out of the game with an injury this week. Graham was the first alternate for the NFC all-star squad. Instead, Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph went to Hawaii in place of Gonzalez and Graham.

-- Saints Fire Spagnuolo & Flajole --
Thu Jan 24, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports rhe New Orleans Saints have fired DC Steve Spagnuolo after one season. The team also fired secondary coach Ken Flajole.

-- Gregg Williams Can Look for Work in NFL, Then... --
Tue Jan 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports Gregg Williams, who was suspended indefinitely for his role in the bounty scandal that cost Saints HC Sean Payton a year, can apply for work. A source told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that Williams is free to look for another job. If he’s able to convince someone to give him one, then Commissioner Roger Goodell will decide whether to reinstate him.

-- Sean Payton Officially Reinstated --
Tue Jan 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports NFL spokesman Greg Aiello announced Tuesday morning that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reinstated New Orleans Saints HC Sean Payton from his suspension effective immediately. There was a meeting on Monday between Payton and Goodell, which led to the end of the suspension right away. That means Payton is now free to attend the Senior Bowl, hire assistants to fill holes on his staff and otherwise resume the duties of being the head coach of the Saints. Per Aiello, he “acknowledged in the meeting his responsibility for the actions of his coaching staff and players and pledged to uphold the highest standards of the NFL.” “We had a very productive discussion,” said Commissioner Goodell in a statement. “Sean fully complied with all the requirements imposed on him during his suspension. More important, it is clear that Sean understands and accepts his responsibilities as a head coach and the vital role that coaches play in promoting player safety and setting an example for how the game should be played at all levels. We are committed to delivering football that fans love and the safety players deserve. Coach Payton agrees and I look forward to working with him going forward to do that.”

-- Jonathan Vilma's Defamation Lawsuit Against Goodell Dismissed --
Thu Jan 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports Judge Helen G. Berrigan dismissed New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma’s defamation lawsuit against Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday.

-- Saints Officially Extend HC Sean Payton --
Wed Jan 9, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports New Orleans Saints HC Sean Payton has signed a five-year contract extension that will run through the 2017 season. The team announced the extension Wednesday but did not release details. The deal is expected to pay Payton more than $8 million annually, which should establish him as the NFL's highest-paid coach, a league source told ESPN. Payton agreed to the deal in principle on Dec. 29.

-- No Timetable Set for Goodell to Talk to Sean Payton About Reinstatement --
Sat Jan 5, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Saturday that no timetable has been set for a meeting between NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and suspended New Orleans Saints HC Sean Payton regarding Payton's reinstatement. Talk has persisted that Goodell would meet with Payton before the Feb. 3 Super Bowl in New Orleans. However, one league source said a pre-Super Bowl meeting is "very doubtful," while another said flat out it wouldn't happen.

-- Saints IR Pierre Thomas; Sign One --
Sat Dec 29, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the Saints have placed RB Pierre Thomas (knee) on injured reserve, ending his season. The team also signed CB A.J. Davis from the practice squad.

-- Saints Extend HC Sean Payton --
Fri Dec 28, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

HC Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints have agreed to a five-year contract extension, a league source told ESPN. The terms of the extension are undisclosed, but may be similar to the deal that was earlier disapproved by the league, according to a league source.

-- Saints IR Corey White; Sign One --
Tue Dec 18, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have placed CB Corey White (knee) on injured reserve, ending his season. The team also signed WR Saalim Hakim from the practice squad.

-- Saints IR Two; Sign Two --
Sat Dec 15, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

Scout.com reports the New Orleans Saints have placed OT Charles Brown (knee) and FS Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) on injured reserve, ending their seasons. The team also promoted OG Ricky Henry and S Jerico Nelson from the practice squad.

-- Paul Tagliabue Vacates Saints Bounty Case Suspensions --
Tue Dec 11, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

AP reports former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has overturned the suspensions of four current and former New Orleans Saints players in the league's bounty investigation of the club. Tagliabue, however, found that the players' conduct was detrimental to the league. He says they participated in a performance pool that rewarded key plays -- including hard tackles -- that could justify fines. But the former commissioner said Tuesday that "this entire case has been contaminated by the coaches and others in the Saints' organization."

-- Saints Bounty Case: Players Reject Last Ditch Settlement Offer --
Sun Dec 9, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports a last-ditch settlement effort was initiated by the league in the Saints bounty case, but it was rejected by the players involved. The offer included proposed reductions in the penalties, but it was contingent on the players acknowledging responsibility for violations of league policy. The players declined to do that.

-- Saints IR Bryce Harris; Sign One --
Tue Nov 27, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have placed OT Bryce Harris (broken leg) on injured reserve, ending his season. The team also signed TE Michael Higgins.

-- Saints Make Player Moves --
Tue Nov 20, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports the New Orleans Saints have signed OT William Robinson and waived veteran WR Greg Camarillo.

-- Sean Payton's Contract Extension with Saints Voided by NFL --
Sun Nov 4, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports within the past year, the multiyear contract extension the Saints announced for HC Sean Payton in September 2011 was voided by the NFL, making the suspended head coach a free agent after this season and casting questions on how long he will remain in New Orleans, according to league sources. Payton is expected to become the NFL's most sought-after head coach after this season and there already is speculation in league circles that he could wind up returning to Dallas, where he worked as the assistant head coach from 2003 to 2005, during which time the Dallas Cowboys brought in QB Tony Romo, who attended the same college, Eastern Illinois, as Payton.

-- Saint Make Player Moves --
Thu Nov 1, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Saints have released TE Daniel Graham and re-signed WR Greg Camarillo.

-- Saints Defense Epically Bad --
Mon Oct 29, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Saints are the first defense to give up 400 or more total yards of offense in each of their first seven games.

-- Saints Bounty Case Appeal Hearing Adjourned --
Sat Oct 27, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the Saints appeal hearings for the bounty case set for Oct. 30th have been adjourned. No new date has been set yet.

-- Bounty Case Watch - More Motions Filed --
Sat Oct 27, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports NFL lawyers filed a motion in U.S. District Court in New Orleans on Friday, arguing that former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue should be allowed to hear appeals on the Saints' bounties case next week. In their motion, NFL lawyers quote defendant LB Jonathan Vilma's statement to ESPN in which he supported Tagliabue being appointed to the role, saying, "I think it's a good first step for Paul to be the neutral arbitrator." The action comes after the players' union and the four players suspended in the bounties' case filed a motion asking that Tagliabue recuse himself from the case because of what they say is a conflict of interest. They want a neutral arbitrator to be appointed by the court.

-- Joe Vitt to Greet Saints Home Tonight --
Sun Oct 21, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports New Orleans Saints interim HC Joe Vitt, whose 6-game suspension expires after today, will be at the airport tonight to greet the team when they arrive home from Tampa.

-- Saints Activate Jonathan Vilma; Terminate Greg Camarillo --
Sat Oct 20, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The New Orleans Saints official website reports Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) has been activated from the PUP list, while WR Greg Camarillo's contract was terminated.

-- Saints Bounty Hearings Coming October 30th --
Sat Oct 20, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the NFL has announced it will hold hearings for the New Orleans Bounty previously suspended players on Oct. 30 at a place determined by Paul Tagliabue.

-- Paul Tagliabue to Handle Appeal in Saints Bounty Case --
Fri Oct 19, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

NFL.com reports the NFL has confirmed that Paul Tagliabue will handle the appeals process in the New Orleans Saints Bounty Case. Commissioner Roger Goodell has recused himself.

-- Jonathan Vilma Files Motion to Vacate Re-Issued Suspension --
Mon Oct 15, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma has filed a motion to vacate his re-issued bounty suspension, three days after filing an appeal with Commissioner Roger Goodell. The paperwork has been filed. Among other things, Vilma will be attempting to delay the suspensions pending resolution of the court proceedings. The new documents are expected to contain fresh attacks and allegations against the league’s overall process. Friday’s filing before Goodell included a request that he recuse himself from the internal appeal; the filing in court could be aimed at pressuring Goodell to exercise his right under the labor deal to designate responsibility for the internal appeal to someone else.

-- Players Appeal Saints Bounty Program Suspensions Again --
Fri Oct 12, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s idea of a compromise has not satisfied the four players who were suspended in the league’s investigation of the Saints’ bounty program. Saints LB Jonathan Vilma, Saints DE Will Smith, Browns LB Scott Fujita and free agent DE Anthony Hargrove have filed appeals of the new punishments that Goodell announced this week. Filing appeals is the players’ right within the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

-- Some Bounty Suspensions Reduced, But... --
Tue Oct 9, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the NFL reduced many of the original penalties levied to players allegedly involved in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal on Tuesday. The likelihood of this battle between the league and the players ending anytime soon is highly unlikely, though. Saints LB Jonathan Vilma has been suspended for the rest season, but will be paid for his time on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Vilma was originally suspended for the entire season. Saints DE Will Smith was the only player who received the original penalties as he's suspended for four games. Browns LB Scott Fujita had his suspension reduced to one game after originally being barred for three games. Free agent DE Anthony Hargrove was reduced to seven games and receives credit for missing the first five weeks of the season. So Hargrove would be suspended for two more weeks, essentially. "In my recent meetings with the players and their counsel, the players addressed the allegations and had an opportunity to tell their side of the story," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "In those meetings, the players confirmed many of the key facts disclosed in our investigation, most particularly that the program offered cash rewards for 'cart-offs,' that players were encouraged to 'crank up the John Deere tractor' and have their opponents carted off the field, and that rewards were offered and paid for plays that resulted in opposing players having to leave the field of play."

-- NFL Reissues Saints Bounty Suspensions --
Tue Oct 9, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports the NFL has re-issued the New Orleans Saints bounty discipline ruling, including suspensions for LB Jonathan Vilma, DE Will Smith, LB Scott Fujita and free-agent DL Anthony Hargrove. All four players have the right to appeal the ruling to Commissioner Roger Goodell. Given that the players chose this time around to meet with Goodell before he issued the suspensions, the players may be more inclined to participate in the appeal process this time around.

-- Saints Make Player Moves --
Mon Oct 8, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have re-signed CB Elbert Mack and released LB Barrett Ruud.

-- Saints Make Player Moves --
Wed Oct 3, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The New Orleans Saints official website reports the Saints have re-signed WR Greg Camarillo and terminated the contract of CB Elbert Mack.

-- Saints Working Out Jason Hill --
Mon Oct 1, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

Scout.com reports the New Orleans Saints are working out free-agent WR Jason Hill, according to a league source.

-- Saints Release Greg Camarillo --
Tue Sep 25, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have released WR Greg Camarillo.

-- Saints Release One --
Mon Sep 17, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN report the New Orleans Saints have waived CB Jerome Murphy.

-- Vilma Meeting with Goodell --
Mon Sep 17, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

NBC Sports reports New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma has shown up for his meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Expectations are low with regard to this meeting. He says the meeting could last as short as 15 minutes and as long as three hours.

-- NFL Replaces Replacement Official --
Sun Sep 16, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports the NFL has replaced a replacement official after ESPN notifies the NFL that a side judge assigned to the New Orleans Saints game today has pictures online showing he's a Saints fan.

-- Saints Bounty Case Suspended Players to Meet with Goodell --
Wed Sep 12, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

CBS Sports reports all four suspended players from the New Orleans Saints case have agreed to meet with commissioner Rodger Goodell. Meetings are scheduled for Tuesday.

-- Saints IR Adrian Arrington --
Wed Sep 12, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the Saints have placed WR Adrian Arrington (knee) on injured reserve, ending his season.

-- Saints RB Snap Count Watch --
Wed Sep 12, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports Saints RB Mark Ingram saw just 9 offensive snaps last Sunday out of 75 plays, mostly because the tam fell behind. RB Pierre Thomas saw 18, while RB Darren Sproles saw 50. Sproles didn't have a rush, but caught 5 passes and scored.

-- Saints Re-Sign Greg Camarillo --
Tue Sep 11, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Saints have re-signed WR Greg Camarillo.

-- Saints Place Jonathan Vilma on PUP List; Re-Sign Adrian Arrington --
Mon Sep 10, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the Saints have place LB Jonathan Vilma on the reserve PUP list (he'll miss at least the first six weeks) and re-signed WR Adrian Arrington.

-- Saints Sign One --
Mon Sep 10, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports the New Orleans Saints have signed OT Bryce Harris off the Atlanta Falcons practice squad.

-- Saints List Ruud & Vilma --
Sat Sep 8, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Saints have placed LB Barrett Ruud and LB Jonathan Vilma on the Exempt – Commissioner Permission list.

-- Saints IR Marcel Jones; Activate Will Smith; Release Two --
Sat Sep 8, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

The Times-Picayune reports the Saints have released WR Adrian Arrington and FB Korey Hall and placeed OT Marcel Jones on injured reserve. The team also activated DE Will Smith.

-- Saints Bounty Suspensions Overturned on Appeal --
Fri Sep 7, 2012 --from FFMastermind.com

ESPN reports suspensions for four players connected to the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal have been overturned by a three-man arbitration panel, sources said. The ruling should clear LB Jonathan Vilma, DE Will Smith, LB Scott Fujita and DE Anthony Hargrove to start the season. "Victory is mine!!!! -stewie griffin," Vilma tweeted Friday afternoon. The panel's decision affects the players only, not suspended coaches Gregg Williams, Sean Payton and Joe Vitt. A team source previously told ESPN's Ed Werder that Vilma planned to attend Sunday's season opener against the Washington Redskins, but believed he was at least a week or two from being ready to play because of a knee injury.