Saints | Curtis Lofton restructures his contract

Source: Footballguys.com

New Orleans Saints LB Curtis Lofton has agreed to restructure his contract and his salary cap figure for 2013 has gone from $7.1 million to $3.1 million. The Saints replaced a scheduled $5 million roster bonus with a $5 million signing bonus, which will allow them to spread the salary cap hit over the remainder of the contract.

Saints | Jonathan Vilma fits new scheme

Source: Footballguys.com

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton said he believes LB Jonathan Vilma, a prototypical 4-3 middle linebacker, can make the switch to the team's new 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Vilma is considered undersized to play middle linebacker in the 3-4; however, Payton can envision Vilma playing in a weakside linebacker spot with LB Curtis Lofton staying as a middle linebacker.

Saints | Several players should fit 3-4 defensive

Source: Footballguys.com

New Orleans Saints DE Cameron Jordan, Akiem Hicks, DT Brodrick Bunkley and LB Curtis Lofton should be able to fit a 3-4 defensive alignment. Jordan and Hicks could become defensive ends while Lofton could be one of the middle linebackers. Bunkley is a bit undersized to be a nose tackle but could be used at the position.

New Orleans Saints going 3-4 on D

Source: Draft Sharks

The Saints have fired DC Steve Spagnuolo and announced their switching to a 3-4 base on defense. Unlike with Dallas' move in the other direction, this one presents some non-obvious player moves. Will LB Martez Wilson fit as a 3-4 OLB? Is LB David Hawthorne a lock inside next to ILB Curtis Lofton? DE Will Smith doesn't look like an OLB fit in the new alignment and will likely have to adjust to playing head up on blockers. DE Cameron Jordan could prove a good fit in that role. There's a lot to be sorted out, beginning with who will coach the unit. The change likely can't hurt what was a historically bad defense in 2012.

Saints | Curtis Lofton leaves game

Source: Footballguys.com

New Orleans Saints LB Curtis Lofton (shoulder) left the Week 14 game against the New York Giants. Trainers were working on his arm/shoulder area.

Week 8 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Kevin Liles / US PRESSWIRE

It was a frustrating beginning to Luke Kuechly’s career as we had a hard time figuring out just what to make of his role, or changes in role(s) in the Panthers linebacking core, through preseason and September. It appears the talented rookie has finally settled in at middle linebacker, and with Jon Beason done for the year, his job is secure going forward.

Situation has a lot to do with Kuechly vaulting up to No.2 on my rankings this week because performance wise, I’m a little disappointed that he only has 27 solos out of his 51 tackles. What helps make

Jonathan Vilma - Vilma, Lofton could play at same time

Source: The Huddle

The New Orleans Saints may try to play LBs Jonathan Vilma and Curtis Lofton at the same time during games with one of the linebackers moving to outside linebacker. Vilma was activated from the PUP list earlier Saturday.
Huddle Up: The Saints are desperate for defensive answers with the team entering Week 7 allowing an average of 30.8 points and 456 yards per game.

Week 7 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Steven Bisig / US PRESSWIRE

Seahawks rookie Bobby Wagner continues to come on strong after  winning a three down role a couple weeks ago. I pointed out last week, that his matchup against the Patriots was a big test to see what his value would be going forward and if he would be trusted on third downs, going forward.

Test results game back well as Wagner helped his team in a victory over the Patriots and he posted seven solo tackles and seven assisted tackles in the game.

This weeks matchup against the 49ers is a terrific play for not just Wagner but K.J. Wright, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. We should have a heavy run game on both sides, and Wagner should get a few opportunities to

Saints | Jonathan Vilma unlikely to play

Source: Footballguys.com

New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) is extremely unlikely to play in Week 7 after returning to practice Wednesday, Oct. 17. He'll likely be eased into action in the coming weeks. Vilma will most likely rotate as an outside linebacker with LB Curtis Lofton entrenched at middle linebacker.

Week 3 IDP LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Mike DiNovo / US PRESSWIRE

With Pat Angerer down with an injury, an unlikely undersized linebacker received an opportunity to start as one of the Colts inside linebackers, in the preseason. Since that time Jerrell Freeman has performed like an LB1 for fantasy leagues and while we should expect him to move back to an exclusive sub-package role when Angerer returns, he’s worth having in your lineup while starting.

Playing in the Colts defense, you know Freeman will have opportunities weekly to make plays, and big plays have been a part of his game early on with an interception, forced fumble, sack and touchdown through two weeks.

Don’t expect Freeman to post double digit solos, he’s

Week 2 IDP Rankings – Linebackers

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Evan Habeeb / US PRESSWIRE

Just in case you were wondering if a leaner Ray Lewis would be up to the challenge of maintaining LB1 status, the old man rips off 14 tackles (11 solos) a sack and a forced fumble against the Bengals. Perhaps is the fan in me, but I have Lewis ranked No.1 on the list this week, but admittedly, Daryl Washington is probably top dog as the Cardinals head out to New England.

Week 2 IDP  Rankings – QB |

Jonathan Vilma - Vilma placed on Saints' PUP list

Source: The Huddle

The New Orleans Saints placed LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) on the Physically Unable to Perform list Monday, Sept. 10, with his roster exemption expiring Monday.
Huddle Up: Vilma's overturned suspension figures to be a boost for the Saints down the line, but he'll miss the next 6 games. Meanwhile, New Orleans is set at MLB with offseason signee Curtis Lofton.

Saints | Four questionable for Week 1

Source: Footballguys.com

New Orleans Saints WR Adrian Arrington (knee), LB David Hawthorne (knee), LB Curtis Lofton (ankle) and CB Jabari Greer (groin) are listed as questionable for Week 1. Arrington did not participate in practice Friday, Sept. 7, while Greer was limited during practice. Hawthorne and Lofton fully participated in practice.

Jonathan Vilma - Suspension overturned for three players

Source: The Huddle

A three-member appeals panel have ruled that the suspensions to New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma and DE Will Smith, Cleveland Browns LB Scott Fujita and free-agent DE Anthony Hargrove (Packers) should be overturned. The four could still face discipline if there is evidence of intent to injure bounties in the case.
Huddle Up: He is not likely to play this Sunday, but Vilma's return could bolster a Saints defense that suddenly finds itself deep at the linebacker position. Of course, the Saints could use him with David Hawthorne and Curtis Lofton ailing. Vilma still faces punishment from Goodell despite this ruling, so he is not out of the woods yet anyway.

Juggernaut Index No. 1: The New Orleans Saints

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

The New Orleans Saints enter the 2012 season facing an unprecedented set of circumstances, a unique mess that the organization brought upon itself, via the Gregg Williams bounty program. The team's head coach, Sean Payton, has been suspended for the entire year and interim head coach Joe Vitt will miss the first six weeks. General manager Mickey Loomis is suspended for eight weeks. Defensive end Will Smith and linebacker Jonathan Vilma are facing suspensions, too. The team was fined, and multiple draft picks have been taken away.

These are not small inconveniences.

Still, Payton's high-yield offensive system remains in place, directed by virtuoso quarterback Drew Brees. This year, play-calling duties fall to

2012 IDP Fantasy Football Week 1: Linebacker (LB) Rankings

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

IDP fantasy owners' hearts dropped when Desmond Bishop fell to the ground with a leg injury against the Chargers and was helped off the field. Now, D.J. Smith will fill in for the all-world fantasy stud, but playing against the 49ers won’t be the first time he’s replaced Bishop.

Last season, Bishop missed three games with an injury and Smith stepped up to provide respectable fantasy numbers. What I like about Smith is that he has had plenty of reps and preseason action with the first team to come out of the gates and perform like a LB2 for us.

Bishop was arguably the top linebacker for IDP leagues, and Smith, while not as talented as Bishop, will inherit a terrific situation in Dom Capers' defense. Hopefully

2012 IDP Fantasy Football Week 1: Defensive Back (DB) Rankings

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

With Terrell Thomas done for the season and Prince Amukamara working his way back from another leg injury, the Giants are forced to start Michael Coe opposite Corey Webster. With depth at corner a big concern, New York may turn to Antrel Rolle to play down against slot receivers in nickel personnel.

This

IDP – Week 1 DB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Jason O. Watson / US PRESSWIRE

With Terrell Thomas done for the season and Prince Amukamara working his way back from another leg injury the Giants are forced to start Michael Coe opposite Corey Webster. With depth a corner a big concern New York may turn to Antrel Rolle to play down against slot receivers in nickel personnel.

This is a big

IDP – Week 1 LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Kirby Lee / US PRESSWIRE

IDP fantasy owners hearts dropped when Desmond Bishop fell to the ground with a leg injury against the Chargers and was helped off the field. Now D.J. Smith will fillin for the all world fantasy stud but playing against the 49ers won’t be the first time he’s replaced  Bishop.

Last season Bishop missed three games with an injury and Smith stepped up to provided respectable fantasy numbers. What I like about Smith is that he has had plenty of reps and preseason action with the first team to come out of the gates and perform like a LB2 for us.

Bishop was arguably the top linebacker for IDP leagues and Smith, while not as talented as Bishop, will inherit a

Flames: RG3 is about to drop bombs on the Bayou

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Each week the Noise highlights 12-13 somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system shown below. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 10 Flames in the comments section below.

Robert Griffin III, Wash, QB (30-percent started)
Matchup: at NO
In exhibition play, the anti-Akili Smith gave viewers a preview of greatness to come. With the exception of one rough series in Chicago, he displayed

Flames: RGIII is about to drop bombs on the Bayou

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Each week the Noise highlights 12-13 somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system shown below. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 10 Flames in the comments section below.

Robert Griffin III, Wash, QB (30-percent started)
Matchup: at NO
In exhibition play, the anti-Akili Smith gave viewers a preview of greatness to come. With the exception of one rough series in Chicago, he displayed

New Orleans Saints add Ruud after injuries

Source: Draft Sharks

The Saints will be without LBs Curtis Lofton and David Hawthorne for at least a couple of weeks. Lofton suffered a high ankle sprain against Jacksonville. Hawthorne tore a meniscus in the same game and has already had surgery. It's not yet clear whether either will be available for the regular-season opener. The team previously lost OLB Chris Chamberlain to an ACL tear. And, of course, there was Jonathan Vilma's suspension. As a result of all those issues, the Saints sent an undisclosed draft pick to the Seahawks last night for Barrett Ruud. The veteran has no history with Steve Spagnuolo or Joe Vitt and has strictly been a MLB in his career. That could suggest the team is more concerned about Lofton. Of course, it could also mean that

Saints | Curtis Lofton to miss preseason game

Source: Footballguys.com

New Orleans Saints LB Curtis Lofton (ankle) will miss the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 25, because of a high ankle sprain. Interim head coach Joe Vitt said Lofton should be ready for the start of the regular season.

NFL 2012 Preseason Week 1: Thursday Storylines to Watch for

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

Football is back.

Yes, it’s just the preseason, but with rosters still left unsettled, NFL preseason games can answer questions for teams’ fans. It’s important not to overreact to what we see tonight, but information will abound from these preseason games. It’s where fantasy sleepers are born!

 

Washington @ Buffalo, 7:00 PM EST

All eyes will be on new quarterback Robert Griffin III, but the roles of the Redskins’ wide receivers are still up in the air. Washington signed three receivers in

Fantasy Football Rankings 2012: All 32 Defenses

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

Defense may not win Super Bowls as often as it used to, but it occasionally helps you win fantasy football leagues. 

Training camps are open, preseason games are around the corner and fantasy owners should be shaping up their cheat sheets. And while many fantasy owners are worried about ranking the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, defenses should not be forgotten. 

Turnovers, sacks, defensive touchdowns and shutouts can help win fantasy games just as much as Aaron Rodgers touchdown tosses and Arian Foster 20-yard runs. So let’s look at all 32 NFL defenses and rank them

Sean Weatherspoon has room to grow

Source: Draft Sharks

"He's a good player now, but he could be a lot better than he is." That's what Falcons DC Mike Nolan told the team's website this week about OLB Sean Weatherspoon. We'll leave that kind of evaluation to the coach. We definitely agree on the ceiling, though. Weatherspoon has history as a pass rusher, he can perform in coverage and Pro Football Focus rated him the #4 4-3 OLB in run defense last year. The departure of Curtis Lofton in free agency should mean more tackle opportunities. Weatherspoon is part of a strong LB1 group with the upside to finish atop the position in fantasy.

Lofa Tatupu - Two Falcons splitting reps at MLB

Source: The Huddle

Atlanta Falcons LBs Akeem Dent and Lofa Tatupu have been splitting reps with the first-team defense at middle linebacker during minicamp this week.
Huddle Up: Tatupu sat out a year after Seattle cut him in July 2011. The three-time Pro Bowler has a history of knee problems and concussions. Tatupu and Dent are competing to replace Curtis Lofton at MLB after he left for New Orleans; a loss that Falcons WR Roddy White bemoaned loudly on Twitter.

Fight breaks out at Saints' practice

Source: FFToday

As frustration mounts in New Orleans

The New Orleans Saints have endured a frustrating offseason for obvious reasons. The offense - missing its quarterback and head coach - had a particularly rough Wednesday morning. Backup quarterback Chase Daniel was repeatedly picked off and his passes kept getting broken up. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that linebacker Curtis Lofton touched Daniel after one play, which touched off a fracas. Daniel threw the ball at Lofton, someone yelled "stay off the quarterback!" and pushing and shoving commenced. Rapoport

NFL Stat Predictions: 6 Underrated Defenders Who Could Lead the NFL in Tackles

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

Tackles can be a misleading stat when trying to figure out the best defenders in the game just like INTs can be misleading when evaluating DBs. Nnamdi Asomugha failed to rack up interceptions or passes defended while maintaining his All-Pro status with the Raiders in 2008 and 2009 because QBs rarely threw to his side of the field.

Quality linebackers can have a similar (but less drastic) disparity between talent and production because their team defense may be better or offenses run plays away from their side of the field.

The reverse disparity can be true for average or above-average defenders on poor defenses. They can have an easier time tallying a high number of tackles because they face teams running

NFL Stat Predictions: 6 Underrated Defenders Who Could Lead the League in Tackle

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

Tackles can be a misleading stat when trying to figure out the best defenders in the game just like INTs can be misleading when evaluating DBs. Nnamdi Asomugha failed to rack up interceptions or passes defended while maintaining his All-Pro status with the Raiders in 2008 and 2009 because QBs rarely threw to his side of the field.

Quality linebackers can have a similar (but less drastic) disparity between talent and production because their team defense may be better or offenses run plays away from their side of the field.

The reverse disparity can be true for average or above-average defenders on poor defenses. They can have an easier time tallying a high number of tackles because they face teams running

Linebackers – 2012 IDP Projected Stats

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Don McPeak / US PRESSWIRE

When Barrett Ruud finally missed action as injuries mounted, rookie Colin McCarthy received an opportunity to start in the middle and took advantage. McCarthy quickly became an active player in the defense with at least six tackles in each if the final eight games, with three pass deflections, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Unlike inside linebackers like Patrick Willis, Daryl Washington or Jon Beason, McCarthy isn’t one of he stoutest linebackers for the middle, but like we’ve seen from London Fletcher over the years, you don’t have to the biggest guy to make a huge

Fantasy: IDP – Buyer Beware – Curtis Lofton

Source: ProFootballFocus.com by Eric Yeomans

When trying to identify a bust player, you look for several things. The first is situation. Will the player be in a different situation than he was last season that will result in him seeing less playing time and/or a lower level of production? The second is last seasons numbers compared to career norms. Did [...]

Jonathan Vilma and 3 others suspended

Source: Draft Sharks

The league has finally handed down the player suspensions for the Saints' bounty scandal: 8 games for DL Anthony Hargrove, 4 games for DE Will Smith, 3 games for LB Scott Fujita and the whole 2012 season for LB Jonathan Vilma. For IDP purposes, this only confirms what we already anticipated on the New Orleans D. Vilma is out, Curtis Lofton in. Smith's absence will hurt the Saints up front and figures to motivate the team to pick up a veteran free agent. James Hall, who played for new DC Steve Spagnuolo in St. Louis, is available. Other options on the open market include Andre Carter and Matt Roth. There have also been rumors that the Jaguars will release Aaron Kampman. Fujita has been Cleveland's starter at SLB. Hargrove might

Curtis Lofton: Opportunity Knocks Following Vilma Suspension

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Curtis Lofton: With news that Jonathan Vilma will be suspended for the entire 2012 season, Lofton will almost certainly slide into the starting middle linebacker position. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Jonathan Vilma and 3 others suspended in bounty scandal

Source: Draft Sharks

The league has finally handed down the player suspensions for the Saints' bounty scandal: 8 games for DL Anthony Hargrove, 4 games for DE Will Smith, 3 games for LB Scott Fujita and the whole 2012 season for LB Jonathan Vilma. For IDP purposes, this only confirms what we already anticipated on the New Orleans D. Vilma is out, Curtis Lofton in. Smith's absence will hurt the Saints up front and figures to motivate the team to pick up a veteran free agent. James Hall, who played for new DC Steve Spagnuolo in St. Louis, is available. Other options ont he open market include Andre Carter and Matt Roth. There have also been rumors that the Jaguars will release Aaron Kampman. Fujita has been Cleveland's starter at SLB. Hargrove might

Saints | Curtis Lofton working at MLB

Source: Footballguys.com

New Orleans Saints LB Curtis Lofton worked as the team's middle linebacker Tuesday, April 24, during voluntary offseason workouts. If LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) was healthy, Lofton would likely be competing with LB Scott Shanle for strong-side linebacker duties.

Fantasy: Reaction – David Hawthorne Joins the Saints

Source: ProFootballFocus.com by Brian Gagnon

To coincide with their recent free agent acquisitions, the New Orleans Saints have added yet another free agent linebacker.  In addition to Curtis Lofton and Chris Chamberlain, the Saints signed former Seattle LB David Hawthorne earlier today.  A versatile linebacker who can play in the middle or outside, Hawthorne will likely open the season in [...]

David Hawthorne signs with Saints

Source: Draft Sharks

David Hawthorne reached a 5-year deal with the Saints on Tuesday. Given the Saints' recent signing of Curtis Lofton, Hawthorne is clearly headed for an OLB job. Primarily a MLB in his time with Seattle, Hawthorne did spend 2010 starting on the outside with Lofa Tatupu in the middle. Hawthorne's quickness and range makes him a fit at multiple positions and he should remain a worthwhile IDP contributor. We'll try to get more specifics on the team's plans at LB before getting into projections. This move also seems to indicate that the team expects to lose Jonathan Vilma for a while ... or perhaps that the staff finally realizes he's an overrated name at this point.

Falcons | Coach looking for Sean Weatherspoon to become leader

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said he believes LB Sean Weatherspoon can become more of a defensive leader on the team this season to take over for LB Curtis Lofton who went to the New Orleans Saints in free agency.

Saints | More on Curtis Lofton's contract

Source: Footballguys.com

Updating previous reports, New Orleans Saints LB Curtis Lofton is scheduled to make a base salary of $700,000 in 2012 and his salary cap number will be $1.7 million. He will receive a $1.1 million base salary as well as a $5 million roster bonus in 2013, a $1 million base salary and a $2 million roster bonus in 2014. In 2015, he is scheduled to receive a $2.4 million base salary, a $4.5 million roster bonus and a $100,000 workout bonus. He is scheduled to make a $5.4 million base salary in 2016 and will also receive a $100,000 workout bonus. He could make a base salary of $6 million in 2017 but has year of his contract is voidable.

Curtis Lofton - Saints LB Curtis Lofton contract update

Source: The Huddle

Updating a previous report, New Orleans Saints LB Curtis Lofton signed a five-year deal worth as much as $33.5 million. The deal also includes a $5 million signing bonus.
Huddle Up: Ex-Falcons teammate Roddy White was not happy about Atlanta losing Lofton and he tweeted as such. His words cannot be repeated here.

Saints | Curtis Lofton contract update

Source: Footballguys.com

Updating a previous report, New Orleans Saints LB Curtis Lofton signed a five-year deal worth as much as $33.5 million. The deal also includes a $5 million signing bonus.

Saints | No plans of releasing Jonathan Vilma

Source: Footballguys.com

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said the team has no plans of releasing LB Jonathan Vilma despite the addition of LB Curtis Lofton.

Fantasy: Reaction – Curtis Lofton Marches with Saints

Source: ProFootballFocus.com by Mike Woellert

 The Saints have had one of the most controversial and tumultuous off-seasons in recent memory. They have messed up the Drew Brees contract  situation, let one of the best guards, Carl Nicks, go in free agency and just had the hammer of Thor laid down on them from the fallout of their bounty practices. However, [...]

Curtis Lofton signs with Saints

Source: Draft Sharks

The Saints reached a 5-year deal with LB Curtis Lofton late Saturday. The former Falcon figures to jump in immediately as the MLB starter in New Orleans. That should spell the end of Jonathan Vilma's Saints tenure. (Of course, a significant suspension seems likely to come from the league for Vilma's role in the Bounty controversy.) Lofton was viewed as a 2-down player for new Falcons DC Mike Nolan, which is likely why the 2 sides never agreed on a new contract. Our guess is that New Orleans plans 3-down duty, but we'll see how that shakes out in training camp. The Saints also added former Rams OLB Chris Chamberlain earlier in the week, a potential starter at WLB.

Saints sign LB Curtis Lofton to 5-year deal - Curtis Lofton | NO

Source: Rotoworld Football

Saints agreed to terms with MLB Curtis Lofton on a five-year contract.

Saints sign Curtis Lofton to five-year deal - Curtis Lofton | NO

Source: Rotoworld Football

Saints agreed to terms with MLB Curtis Lofton on a five-year contract.

Saints | Curtis Lofton reaches agreement

Source: Footballguys.com

The New Orleans Saints and free-agent LB Curtis Lofton (Falcons) agreed to terms on a five-year deal Saturday, March 24.

Falcons | Curtis Lofton could return

Source: Footballguys.com

The Atlanta Falcons may be able to re-sign LB Curtis Lofton because he has not received a lot of interest from other teams.

Buccaneers | Remain interested in Curtis Lofton

Source: Footballguys.com

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers remain interested in free-agent LB Curtis Lofton (Falcons), but they want him at their price.