Making noise on the Bayou

Aggressive Saints put solid pieces in place

In assessing his Saints, David Patten draws a parallel to the time he spent with Patriots. (Nick Laham/Getty Images)

In late April, the New Orleans Saints provided a behind-the-scenes preview of how they would approach the 2008 season.

Working the phones during the NFL draft, team officials completed a trade to move from the 10th spot in the first round to No. 7 so they could select Southern Cal defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis. Thrilled that they got their man, the Saints then went for the double whammy, calling teams in the No. 10 range in an attempt to snare another high pick.

Club officials were willing to deal a 2009 first-round choice and 2008 second-rounder to make the move, but a willing partner couldn't be found.

Still, the turn of events highlights how aggressive the Saints have been this year and why - following last week's acquisition of Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey for 2009 second- and fifth-round picks - they must be considered one of the NFC's top contenders.

The Saints aren't just marching. They're marching with a purpose.

Among the team's notable moves included the acquisition of Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma, a former first-round pick who could thrive with a change of scenery. They also gave defensive end Will Smith a six-year extension that could be worth up to $70 million, and just last week locked up receiver Marques Colston - the former Hofstra pass-catcher who had made the stunning jump from seventh-round pick to star - through 2011.

Those were all headline-grabbers, but not to be overlooked are other moves, such as the re-signing of starting guard Jamar Nesbit to a three-year deal, or the plunge into the unrestricted free agent market that netted Jacksonville's Bobby McCray (defensive end) and New England's Randall Gay (cornerback). The Saints also have 21 of 22 starters returning from last season.

When wide receiver David Patten assesses what has unfolded in recent months - and what he experienced last year in his first season in New Orleans - he draws a parallel to the time he spent with the Patriots (2001-04).

"I start in the locker room, and I really believe it's a mirror image of what we had in New England - a lot of high-character guys who are accountable to one another, would run through a wall for each other, and have a lot of belief in their head coach and coaching staff," Patten said from Millsaps (Miss.) College on the team's second day of training camp.

The 33-year-old Patten, who played in all 16 games last season and totaled 54 catches for 792 yards and three touchdowns, feels reborn in New Orleans.

Part of it is probably tied to his two forgettable years with the Redskins in 2005-06, but another side of it is being part of such an aggressive approach, both on and off the field.

The Saints' offense, with head coach Sean Payton calling the plays, likes to keep defenses on guard with multiple formations and shifts.

"If there's one thing about him, he's aggressive," Patten said. "There is not a shy bone in him, not a hesitant bone in him. He's going with attitude, going to attack, no holds barred."

The Saints have transferred that approach off the field as well, with Shockey one of their biggest splashes.

"I think he brings an added dimension we had been missing," Patten said. "He brings playmaking ability and toughness and tenacity. At the end of the day, football is all about intimidation and trying to dominate opponents, and he's shown he does that."

The Saints opened last season 0-4, which contributed - along with a porous defense - to knocking them out of the playoffs. They finished 7-9.

Patten, entering his 12th NFL season, believes there are greater things ahead for the Saints. Based on the team's aggressive approach this year, it's easy to see why there is such optimism.

They go from rooks to riches
Much like a political campaign in which candidates frame their stance on key issues, the NFL and the NFL Players Association have been vocal regarding the escalating salaries of top-10 draft choices.

The league has declared it one of the three most important issues in the upcoming negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement. Meanwhile, union head Gene Upshaw has explained that he's not willing to change the current system, noting that the salaries for top-10 draft choices is one of the few barometers that veterans can use when their contracts are up.

The topic continues to sizzle as more top-10 picks sign contracts. For example, defensive end Chris Long, the No. 2 overall pick, inked a five-year deal with the Rams that included $29 million in guarantees. It's an eye-popping deal that seems to strengthen the NFL's stance. What veteran player, who has toiled for years to earn one big payday, can feel good about a rookie being lavished with such riches?

Upshaw must know he's fighting an uphill battle, because much of his constituency is in favor of reducing the top rookie salaries as long as the money is paid out to more experienced players.

So the union would be smart to begin reshaping the debate, and turn things back on the NFL. Upshaw should publicly be asking owners what they're willing to give up to bring the salaries of top-10 picks back in line.

Are they willing to shorten the contracts for top-10 picks to a maximum of four years? Will they give up use of the franchise tag on the same player in successive years? Are they willing to accept a salary cap floor at or above 90 percent, which would ensure the money they aren't spending on top-10 picks ends up being spent elsewhere?

To this point, Upshaw and the union have taken more of the hits regarding the salaries of top-10 picks, while the league has been like the receiver who gets a free release off the line of scrimmage.

As teams welcome back campers, some players aren't happy
Can't keep up with the growing number of veterans disgruntled by their contract situations? Here is a snapshot of some of the high-profile players and where they stand:

Anquan Boldin (Cardinals) - Unloading a bombshell the day before training camp, the sixth-year receiver claimed the Cardinals promised him a renegotiated contract before the season began, but never followed through. Boldin, who still showed up for camp, has a deal through the 2010 season. His agent is in discussions with the club on a new pact.

Bobby Engram (Seahawks) - The 35-year-old had 94 catches in 2007, and he enters the final year of his contract (base salary: $1.7 million). While he'd like an extension, he still showed up to camp.

Ryan Grant (Packers) - After helping revive Green Bay's ground attack - and his career in the process - Grant declined to sign his tender offer as an exclusive-rights free agent. It's a rags-to-potential-riches story, as the 25-year-old Grant was unlikely to even make the Giants' roster last year at this time before being traded to the Pack. Now it looks like he'll be a holdout.

Devin Hester (Bears) - The dynamic return man, who added receiver duties to his repertoire last season (20 catches), has two years remaining on his contract (his base salary is $445,000 this season). He held out for the first two days of training camp, incurring fines of approximately $15,000 per day, before reporting for duty. The sides continue to talk about a new deal.

Steven Jackson (Rams) - One of the league's top running backs, he enters the final year of his contract and wants an extension. The sides are talking, and while Jackson did not report for the first day of training camp, it appears a deal will get done.

Jason Peters (Bills) - After being voted to the Pro Bowl in 2007, the left tackle stayed away from all team-related activities in the offseason and did not report for the start of training camp. The sides have hardly spoken regarding a new deal (Peters's pact extends through 2010).

Brian Westbrook (Eagles) - The Pro Bowl running back, arguably the most important player on Philadelphia's offense (2,104 yards from scrimmage in 2007), showed up to camp but reiterated his desire for a new deal. Westbrook hired a new agent last week to spark talks. His deal is through 2010.

Etc.

Broncos receiver Rod Smith, whose remarkable career was all the more impressive considering he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, announced his retirement last week. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has often said Smith could cut a highlight tape solely of the damage he did against New England, and it might be worthy for Hall of Fame consideration, which seemed to be less fluffing up the opponent and more genuine appreciation of Smith's consistent excellence. As we learned from Dave Gaylinn of the Broncos' media relations staff, Smith did have more receptions against New England than any non-AFC West team (he also played the most non-division games against New England). Over 12 games against the Patriots (including playoffs), he totaled 62 receptions, averaged 14.9 yards per grab, and had four TDs and four 100-yard receiving games.

Return game
What might the Packers receive in a potential trade for Brett Favre? Tough question, given how quickly things change in the NFL, as an unexpected injury - especially at quarterback - could lead a team to ante up. Such was the case last week with the Redskins-Dolphins trade with Jason Taylor. Once the 'Skins lost starting end Phillip Daniels to a season-ending knee injury, they were much more inclined to part with a 2009 second-round draft choice and 2010 sixth-rounder. The feeling here is that Favre could net as high as a second-round pick, with the possibility of additional compensation should a team's QB situation change because of an injury.

Shocking truth
With most head coaches, you often have to read between the lines to find the truth, but Tom Coughlin laid it out clearly after the Giants traded tight end Jeremy Shockey to the Saints. Coughlin indicated he spreads the following message: "Team over self is why we win." He was then asked if Shockey's unwillingness to adhere to that motto led to the trade, and said: "I am sure at some point in time that was part of the consideration."

Do it yourself
When the Titans held their first training camp practice Friday, the first-unit receivers were Justin Gage and Justin McCareins, which makes one wonder: Did the club do enough to help quarterback Vince Young? Because of the Titans' lack of threats at receiver, opponents defending Young have been able to devote more resources to the line of scrimmage, where Young is especially dangerous as a scrambler. Unless running back Chris Johnson (first-round pick) can split out wide a bit and catch the ball, the jury remains out.

A real pain
Playing in the AFC South with the Colts, Jaguars, and Titans - all of whom made the playoffs last season - the Texans have their work cut out. So they'll need some things to fall their way, specifically in the health department. Consider this: The Texans finished last season with 17 players on injured reserve, including five who were starters at the beginning of the season.

Cornering the market
After paying big bucks in free agency for cornerback Asante Samuel, and pleased with Sheldon Brown at the other corner spot, the Eagles would seemingly like to trade Lito Sheppard if they could acquire a second-round draft choice. But with no team apparently willing to meet the asking price, the Eagles are holding on to Sheppard and plan to be in three-cornerback packages 50-60 percent of the time, according to defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. With more offenses spreading the field - and Samuel straining his hamstring yesterday during the team's first practice in full pads - keeping Sheppard might turn out to be the Eagles' best move.

He's missed
Patriots tackle Matt Light showed that the relationship between players and reporters doesn't always have to be contentious or strained. Following the team's practice Thursday, he mentioned how much he missed not seeing Dan Pires, who covered the Patriots for the New Bedford Standard-Times. Pires, who seemed to generate close relationships with many of the team's players, died suddenly last month. He was 52.

Extra points
Bengals players report to training camp today, but in a preemptive strike, receiver Chad Johnson told the Cincinnati Enquirer that his trade demands are in the past and he also publicly apologized . . . Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour shed about 10 pounds this offseason, but joked that his effort paled in comparison to that of Scott Pioli, New England's vice president of player personnel. Pioli looked like a different guy pacing the sidelines . . . As expected, former Patriots receiver Deion Branch opened Seahawks training camp on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee in January . . . The Browns are carrying just three quarterbacks into training camp - Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, and Ken Dorsey - and all are expected to make the final roster. Dorsey is seen as valuable in a mentor-like role . . . With Donte' Stallworth sidelined for the start of Browns training camp, 30-year-old Kevin Kasper - a potential No. 3 option on the depth chart - has stepped in and made a favorable impression.

Did you know?
The Bills sold 54,200 season tickets for the 2008 season, the third-highest total in team history behind 57,132 in 1992 and 54,604 in 1991.

Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com; material from personal interviews, wire services, other beat writers, and league and team sources was used in this report.