The news that Shaun Alexander (pictured right) is visiting the Saints has been met with concern and the overwhelming sound of an entire city groaning at the same time.The concern stems from the fact that people seem to believe that the news that the Saints are "interested" means that the good vibrations from Deuce McAllister's restructuring are over, that this is the beginning of Deuce's demise. The groaning because, well, Shaun Alexander?
But let's not overreact. This is just a (flat) tire kicking. Alexander is making visits, the Saints might need a back at some point. The two sides are familiarizing. That doesn't mean either will like what they find.
For Alexander, it doesn't make sense to sign with any team right now; his value is at its lowest. He'll wait until camp to capitalize on injuries, when he'll command more money. And if the Saints really had an interest in replacing Deuce, they would have surely been better off addressing the need in the draft or with a rookie free agent. They didn't bring a single back into the fold. Though I highly, highly doubt that this pairing will happen, it certainly could. But that would be the aftermath of McAllister's release (because of the health of his knee), not the cause of it.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. I think your analysis of Shaun is completely wrong. I think Shaun Alexander is looking for any team that wants him, and will take that over any team that needs him. I don't think he'll wait until the last minute just to squeeze out more money, because I promise that his next contract will be mediocre anyway - and besides, he's still sucking money out of the Seahawks organization.
And I also think people will be surprised with Shaun this year. He's healthy, unlike the last two years, and he's motivated, unlike the last two years. I think he would be an excellent addition to a team with a struggling back field.
Posted at 12:19PM on May 6th 2008 by Haydro
2. after too many decades of tormenting their fans, no way do the saints sign shaun of the dead. there are some things that even tom benson wouldn't do.
Posted at 8:53PM on May 6th 2008 by herbalcracker
3. "And I also think people will be surprised with Shaun this year. He's healthy, unlike the last two years, and he's motivated, unlike the last two years. I think he would be an excellent addition to a team with a struggling back field."
Your right that eight-year contract worth $62 million he signed two years ago was not enough for him to be motivated the last two years
Posted at 10:20PM on May 6th 2008 by jdalisauski
4. Shaun would have a difficult time breaking into the Saints starting lineup with the running backs on the roster right now.
Posted at 12:02AM on May 7th 2008 by George B Vieto
5. so long as shaun isn't trying to empty our pocket book, i say why not sign him. deuce will retire as a saint, no matter what's happening with his knee ths year or the next. it'd be nice to tighten up our running game by adding alexander to the fold.
Posted at 6:33PM on May 12th 2008 by Nola Chick
6. I would like to see and hear Shaun get more respect. A lot of the people making those remarks about him falling at first contact, being tackled behind the line of scrimmage, dancing to the hole are not very football saavy. I'm tired of all these dudes that never even played tackle football in Jr. High making limp remarks about someone else's ability.
Posted at 10:49AM on May 19th 2008 by Off the Seahawk bandwagon
7. i agree
Posted at 12:51AM on Jun 6th 2008 by coach