Q: Obviously the biggest defensive turnaround this season has to be that of the previously much-maligned secondary. Greer's addition, along with that of Sharper at safety and the return of Tracy Porter, has turned a lackluster unit into one of the league's best. So what of Malcolm Jenkins? At the draft, there were many discussions in regards to making Jenkins a safety. Given the success of the current group, the age of Sharper and the how far Jenkins seems to have fallen down the depth chart, is this a forgone conclusion? Brian Bauer, Northern Virginia.
A: Brian, the Saints are blessed with the deepest, most talented secondary they've have in years, perhaps ever. It's a testament to their depth and talent that a player of Jenkins' caliber -- a first-round draft pick, no less - could be sidelined for weeks and the defense suffer no significant impact. Jenkins is going to be an excellent player. Several of the Saints defensive players I've talked to believe he's the real deal. The Saints drafted him at cornerback so I assume they will keep him there for the time being. He was pushing Randall Gay for playing time as the nickel back before his ankle injury and I think that's his best chance at playing time this season. In the future, who knows? So much can happen in free agency, etc., it remains to be seen what direction the Saints go. We'll worry about that in the offseason. For now, enjoy the situation while you can. It's rare to have this much secondary talent, especially for the Saints.
Q: With all of the success the Saints have had this year, will they be willing to give Darren Sharper a three-year deal? If so, what type of money will he command and do the Saints see Usama Young being able to do half of what Sharper has done. Secondly, how will Malcolm Jenkins be worked into the lineup going forward? Kyle, Atlanta.
A: I'm sure the Saints will make an offer for Sharper in the offseason but he's pricing himself into a totally different market than the one he had this past offseason. In fact, he might have priced himself out of the Saints' market. New Orleans is blessed with two capable young free safety prospects in Young and Jenkins. I'm sure that will affect their offer to Sharper. I can't see them breaking the bank for a 33-year-old safety when they have two good young prospects on the roster. Young will be a restricted free agent in the offseason so the Saints can keep his rights with the right tender. Sharper's negotiations could be one of the most interesting stories of the offseason. He said this week he came to New Orleans to win a Super Bowl ring. I think that's the No. 1 factor in what Sharper does this offseason. If the Saints fall short of that goal this season, I think he'll be much more likely to re-sign in New Orleans and give it another shot.
:groove3:
I have a feeling he will be a starter for a while in this league