Saints Report: Jermon Bushrod to Bears

When NFL Free Agency started on Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints weren't expected to spend much money on big free agents this off-season. And after one full day of NFL wheelin' and deelin', not only have they NOT spent any money, but they've already lost a couple of key players to better paychecks.

On Tuesday, just before the 3pm start of the 2013 league year and Free Agency, the Saints were able to restructure deals with embattled defensive leaders Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith.  Vilma and Smith would have taken up $23 million in cap space for 2013 had they not restructured deals.

Smith will take a $6 million pay-cut in 2013.  Vilma took a $4.8 million pay-cut.

Tuesday evening, news hit that the Saints lost pro-bowl left tackle Jermon Bushrod to free agency.  Reports are that Bushrod signed a 5-year/$35.9 million deal.  Bushrod will be joining offensive line coach Aaron Kromer in Chicago, Kromer left New Orleans for the Windy City after leading the Saints to a 2-4 record last season as interim to the interim head coach.

Backup quarterback Chase Daniels has also been lost to free agency.  The Kansas City Chiefs signed the Missouri product to a three year deal on Tuesday.  I hate this move, and hope that it doesn't bite the Saints in the derriere.  The eyeball test tells me Daniels is a great backup QB, with potential to be a serviceable starter.  He played pretty well in the Saints offense during the pre-season.  I also always loved that the diminutive (by NFL standards) Drew Brees, didn't have to look up at his back up.  Daniels is even shorter than Breesus.  I don't want to get all psycho-analytical, but I always liked that set up for Drew.  And did you ever notice how closely Daniels followed Brees on the sidelines?  He knows everything Drew knows.

The Saints also inked a deal with long-snapper Justin Dreshcer to remain in New Orleans.  Schew!  We lost the pro-bowl left tackle and the great backup QB... but thank goodness we got the long-snapper!

The Saints also released linebacker Will Herring, saving about $1 million in cap money.

With the hiring of Rob Ryan as Defensive Coordinator, the Saints will be switching to a 3-4 scheme defensively, from a 4-3 scheme.  You can expect some new faces at line-backer to show up in Metairie, whether it's through free agency or the draft.