METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints have proven they are willing to trade just about everyone as they aggressively reshape their roster. But there is a difference between "considering all options" and "actively trying to dump players." Some players are still vital to the cause going forward.
This is the second in a five-part series attempting to rank the value (and security) of players who remain on the roster. Click here for Part 1 (the very short list of players that would rank as shocking if they get traded).
THE WILD CARDS:
G Jahri Evans: Evans, 31, could still be in jeopardy of being traded or released, because he is to make $7.5 million in salary and bonuses and has shown signs of regression in recent years. But the fact that he made it through the first week of player cuts and trades might be a good sign -- especially since New Orleans traded away fellow veteran guard Ben Grubbs. It would be awfully hard to replace both at once.
Evans might not be in his All-Pro prime anymore, but he’s still an above-average player who remains especially valuable in the run game. He can still be a big asset if the Saints feel like they can afford him. A pay cut would make the most sense, but perhaps Evans would balk at that (like Grubbs reportedly did), since Grubbs wound up making his money with another team.
OLB Junior Galette: Character and maturity issues might have Galette hanging on to his roster spot by a very thin rope. But he’s safe because of all the guaranteed money from the monster contract extension he signed last year. And the reason he got that extension in the first place is because he has rare pass-rush ability.
The Saints will be counting on more of that if they keep him -- plus a large dose of humility off the field.
CB Keenan Lewis: Lewis was arguably the Saints’ best defensive player last season (I ranked him as the team’s co-MVP). And it would cost a fortune to replace him with another top cornerback with the ability to cover top receivers as well as he does. So he shouldn’t be going anywhere -- unless the Saints are concerned with his maturity issues as well.
Lewis publicly demanded last week that the Saints either guarantee the final three years of his deal or release him. And CBS reported that the Saints have been actively shopping him in trades. But Lewis said he has talked with the Saints in recent days and feels better about his long-term security with the team.