Will Fujita's Departure Upset That Oh So Delicate Team Balance in New Orleans?

He was one of Sean Payton's original warriors back in 2006. The team's best defensive free-agent acquisition in the early days of the Payton regime.

It was love at first sight for Scott Fujita and wife Jaclyn when the couple first set foot in New Orleans four years ago.

"There was something unique," Fujita told The Times-Picayune shortly after signing with the team. "I thought about coming to this community and being part of the rebuilding process. Not only with this team, but symbolically helping to rebuild the whole Gulf region."

Sounds like something Drew Brees would have said. In 2006, the New Orleans Saints were hoping Fujita would be to the defense what Brees would become to the offense: the foundation, the keystone.

Through the first six games of Payton's first year as coach, Fujita emerged as the driving force for an under-appreciated linebacking corps that exceeded expectations and help spearhead the Saints' run to the NFC Championship game. Fujita had three sacks and a team-leading two interceptions as New Orleans pulled out to a 5-1 start four years ago.

In those days, Payton talked about how his familiarity with Fujita made signing him as a free agent a no-brainer. Payton was with Fujita in Dallas before coming to the Saints and knew what a high character guy he was.

Said Payton in 2006, "In free agency, that's the one scare you always have. You may think you're getting this but you're getting that. In Scott's case, I think we knew what we were getting."

Although Fujita was a known commodity, Payton and then-defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs were mildly surprised as to how quickly Fujita emerged as a team leader.

"I knew we were getting a smart, tough football player," Payton told Jimmy Smith. "He's rangy. He's got good size. I think he's an awfully good worker. Great character. It was a good fit."

Fujita became an immediate fan favorite as the Saints made that 2006 run that stopped just one game short of a Super Bowl matchup with the Colts.

The fans roared whenever he did his signature "samurai" bow after a sack—a tribute to his Japanese heritage.

By the end of Fujita's first year with the Saints, he led the team with 96 tackles to go along with 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and eight defended passes.

No wonder Gregg Williams kept him around when he replaced Gary Gibbs as defensive coordinator.

Shortly before playing the Bears in the NFC Championship game, Fujita said he felt wanted by the Saints—that he was comfortable,that it was a good fit.

Nevertheless, time moves on and it is a cold, gut-wrenching business. A nasty bit of business at times.

Fujita's decision to sign with the Cleveland Browns was a little more than a mild surprise to Saints fans. As late as last week, The Times-Picayune said that they expected Fujita to re-sign with the Saints quickly.

However, Mike Holmgren and Eric Mangini were so impressed by Fujita this weekend that they wouldn't let him leave the showroom. Like a couple of desperate car salesman, they persisted until they got Fujita's name on the dotted line.

Just as the Saints did back in 2006, Holmgren knows he needs to "flip the culture" in Cleveland fast and he knows "high-character" guys like Fujita can help him accomplish that task.

Fujita's defensive numbers can be replaced. Statistically, he was the least effective of the Saints' starting linebackers.

Replacing his leadership ability will be a more difficult task for Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton as they attempt to preserve that delicate balance that comprises a Super Bowl champion.

Brady Quinn is no Drew Brees and Cleveland isn't a pretty place in the dead of winter, but, alas, take heart Scott Fujita.

After all, miracles do happen. The Ravens managed to win a Super Bowl title with Trent Dilfer.