Evaluating the New Orleans Saints' Free-Agent Priorities

As the possible end to the NFL lockout draws near, teams are looking at players they wish to sign before a feeding frenzy of free agency like we have never seen before commences.

There is a long list of New Orleans Saints players who could be finding their way out of town. Below, we look at five players that the Saints should make a priority to keep.

The first three are Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin and Jermon Bushrod. The key to the Saints is quarterback Drew Brees, and keeping a solid line in front of him is important.

A Pro Bowler in 2010, Nicks becomes the priority of the three, as Goodwin and Bushrod could have young guys ready to push for their positions. It appears that the Saints may be most willing to part with Goodwin of the three, as Nicks and Bushrod have been offered tenders.

Roman Harper is catching a lot of flak because of his play in the wrong side of the spotlight in the 2010 playoffs. That showing aside, Harper has been a Pro Bowler the last two seasons and has been an integral part of the rebuilding of the Saints secondary. According to The Times-Picayune, Harper has stated that he wants to rejoin the Saints, but he will be a target around the league if other teams are given the chance.

Wide receiver Lance Moore has been one of Brees’ favorite targets when he is in the game. If the Saints do not work out a deal that keeps Reggie Bush in New Orleans, Moore’s role will increase. Moore has excelled when Bush was out with injury.