UFA safety Sharper is likely to stay with Saints

According to latest reports, the New Orleans Saints unrestricted free agent Darren Sharper has finished his visit with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the most important point was, he left without receiving a contract offer. So there is still good chance for the veteran safety to wear back the Saints jersey.

With nine interception during the 2009 season, Sharper helped build up one of the most fierce secondaries in the league for the Saints and is highly expected to return with the team for more seasons. Actually, both the player and the team are hoping for a long-term relationship, but the problem is the 34-year-old veteran is asking for a high way while the Saints are not willing to overpay. While contract negotiation is still going on between the two sides, Sharper takes his actions to visit other teams that hold interests in him. Still, there is money issue. It’s hard to believe there would be any team willing to pay higher than the Saints.

On the other side, the Saints are not staying still waiting for Sharper’s decision. On the same day when Sharper made his visit to Jaguars, the Saints welcomed free agent linebacker Clint Ingram from the Jaguars. Reportedly, Ingram is highly expected to join the Saints and solve the problem with outside linebacker. Does that have anything with Sharper’s return? Well, with the outside linebacker being no more big issue, the Saints now have much room to make moves with positions like cornerback and safety. What’s very likely to happen is that rookie cornerback Patrick Robinson’s arrival will allow the Saints to move veteran Malcolm Jenkins to safety as replacement for Sharper if the latter chooses not to return. Then the advantage is not really laying the Sharper’s side. He is now old and replaceable, if there is an offer, he’d better sign it soon.