Darren Sharper Is New Orleans Saints' Franchise Boy

NFL News - February 16th, 2010 - Written by John Ritter

The New Orleans Saints made their first big decision regarding 2010. While most of the recognizable faces are still partying in the streets for Tuesday's Mardi Gras, front office officials have been deciding the future of safety Darren Sharper with the team.

Ultimately, says NFL.com's Steve Wyche, the club decided to use it's franchise tag on Sharper in order to keep the defense's leader for at least one more season.

The 34-year old will get a guaranteed contract of $6.4 million if he accepts the tender, which puts him among the leading money-getters at his position. It is also about a $4 million pay raise from last season.

Sharper completed one of the best seasons of his career in '09, and was a big reason why the Saints won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. He had nine interceptions, most among safeties, and received votes for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was the team's third-leading tackler with 71, and scored three times.

He was essentially the top priority as the team's only real impending defensive free agent. He joined New Orleans in '09 after becoming a Minnesota Vikings refugee due to his age. Before that, he was cut by his first team, the Green Bay Packers in 2005 because of declining performance.

The Saints will now turn their attention to it's biggest decision on offense in Reggie Bush. The former second overall pick is due $8 million for the upcoming season, but conflicting views make it not such an easy choice to pick up the tab.

Some in the organization hold the belief that his gaudy talent and upside make him a reasonable investment, especially after seeing his potential during the Arizona Cardinals playoff game. But others turn to his meager track record in which he hasn't shown to be the game-breaker he was projected to be.

He will never be a full-time back, and only gains about 122 rushes per year. But he averaged a career-best 5.6 yards per carry in '09, adds speed to the passing game, and is one of the better kick returners when healthy.