Is Jamir the Newest Saint?

The New Orleans Saints opened their first mini-camp of the 1999 season today amid speculation that they are close to an agreement with Arizona Cardinal linebacker Jamir Miller on a contract that would bring him to the crescent city. Phoenix radio station KDUS and ESPN radio have both reported that the Saints have offered Miller a 3-year contract worth an estimated $11 million.

Miller who is coming off of his best season as a pro, plays strong side linebacker. He is known as a very good pass rusher who is improving his coverage ability. Miller would team of with weak side linebacker Mark Fields to give the Saints two of the better outside linebackers in the league.

While the Miller talk is all speculation at this point, the Saints did make a number of roster moves today. The team announced its 11-man list of undrafted college free agents that it has signed. TE Cuncho Brown (Penn State), DT Justin Ernest (Eastern Kentucky), WR P.J. Franklin (Tulane), G Rick Nord (Louisville), C Tom Schau (Illinois), and LB Donnie Spragan (Stanford) were all signed to 1-year, no-option deals. In addition, the Saints also signed C Justin Burroughs (North Carolina State), CB Chris Cummings (LSU), DB Gana Joseph (Oklahoma), FB Marvin Powell (USC), and WR L.C. Stevens to 2-year, no-option contracts.

The Saints also announced today that the following restricted free agents have accepted the team's one-year tenders: C Tom Ackerman, TE Scott Slutzker, DE Brady Smith, and G/T Keno Hills. In other moves the Saints also signed two players that spent the entire season last year on the injured list to one-year, no-option contracts. Those players are WR Gunnard Twyner and DT Troy Ridgley.

A number of college and veteran free agents have also been invited to camp on a try-out only basis. Some notables are S Tony Bouie, who last played with the Tampa Bay Bucs and preped locally at Holy Cross High School, and OT Larry Tharpe who was a one time starting tackle for the Detroit Lions.

The Saints will open their mini-camp to the public on both Saturday and Sunday, with an autograph session following Sunday's practice. The practices won't involve any contact, and some big names won't be participating due to injury.

In related news, new Saints RB Ricky Williams will be throwing out the first pitch at Zephyr Field for tonight's game. Williams, who is a former draft choice of the Philadelphia Phillies, should feel right at home on the baseball diamond.