The Good Sheppard?
It’s been made quite evident that the Saints are all about the big “D” this off-season. No, not the kind of “big D” Mike Vick is getting re-introduced to every night in prison. (Yeah we know; cheap shot.) We’re talking about a move back to the “Dome Patrol” days of the Saints defense!
They’ve added Randall Gay at cornerback, linebackers Jon Vilma and Dan Morgan and defensive end Bobby McCrary. So what more could the Saints need to build up their defensive arsenal? How about another tested big named corner who could soon be up for grabs: the Eagles’ Lito Sheppard.
Rumors are swirling that the Eagles’ acquisition of free agent Asante Samuel at left corner has left Lito livid. Coach Andy Reid denies his team is shopping Lito on the trade market. And when recently asked about the possibility of being traded, Sheppard remained, well, sheepish. Still, there’s no doubt Sheppard is none too pleased about the Eagles’ decision to pick up a big named back at his position. So if he does end up available, the question remains, do the Saints want Sheppard to lead their defensive flock?
Randall Gay will certainly be a much needed addition to the team’s struggling secondary, but no one seems overconfident that he’s the answer. Gay primarily played as a Nickel corner with the Pats. The Saints plans for him could determine whether they’ve got any need for or interest in Lito. Beyond that, they’ve got to ask themselves if Lito is still good enough to bring the skill to the position that is so desperately needed. The former pro-bowler had an impressive season in 2006, despite several injuries. Last season, things weren’t so impressive, although he did manage to hold Terrell Owens to two catches for under 40 yards and rack up two picks against the Cowboys.
Plus, how realistic is it that the Saints have anyone the Eagles want in a trade. Is getting Lito worth a draft pick? We’re thinking even if the Saints do get a shot at Lito, they should probably pass. And we say this knowing that those words could very well come back to haunt us against whatever team he ends up with next season.
Filed under: saints offseason
