Saints Bring in Parade of Free Agents
Following the 1999 NFL Draft, in which the Saints conducted the only one-player draft in NFL history, Saints President and General Manager Bill Kuharich said that the team would become active in free agency. Kuharich might have taken a few weeks to live up to his promise, but now the Saints have jumped into the post June 1st free agent market head first. By the end of this week the Saints will definitely have been visited by at least three free agents, and that number could rise.
Former Bears offensive tackle Andy Heck was the first player to visit the Saints’ Airline facility this week. Heck was released by the Bears last week in a cost cutting move that will save the Bears over $2 million in the 1999 season. Heck expected to be released after being left exposed to the Cleveland Browns in the expansion draft.
Heck is a 10-year veteran of the NFL, playing the first 5 years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks before moving on to the Bears. Heck (6-6, 298 pounds) has played both tackle positions, left guard, and has even played one game at tight end in his career. He has suffered from a degenerative disk problem in his back since his rookie year, yet he has never missed time because of it. In his five-year Bear career, Heck has started 76 out of a possible 80 games. In ’98 he missed two contests due to a broken toe.
When interviewed by local reporters on Monday, Heck stated that he understood that he would probably have to settle for backup money since he has very little leverage at this point. While Heck said that he never has aspired to be a backup, he also realizes that at this point in his career it is probably his best chance at sticking in league. The only other teams who have shown interest in Heck are the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers.
Following Heck’s visit, Dixon Edwards arrived in New Orleans and worked out for Saints officials on Tuesday. Edwards is being looked at as a possible starter at strong side linebacker. The 31-year old Edwards has very good speed and would bring experience and pass coverage ability to a very young unit, however it is unlikely that the Saints will sign him.
On Thursday the Saints will be paid a visit by New Orleans native Ashley Ambrose. Ambrose, a cornerback from the Cincinnati Bengals, is seeking a contract in excess of $2 million per season. He is also being pursued by the five other teams, most notably the Titans and the Falcons.
The Saints will also be bringing in former Ram CB Ryan McNeil and former Steeler FB Tim Lester on Wednesday and former Panther LB Greg Lloyd on Thursday.
