The New Orleans Saints are going to have to make some big decisions after the 2012 season comes to an end. They are facing a tight year with the salary cap. According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Saints will come in at $16 million over the cap. With two key players in defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis and offensive lineman Jermon Bushrod in the last year of their contract, the Saints will have to make some cuts. It might just start with linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith.
If the two defensive leaders want to remain on the roster, they will most likely be taking a huge pay cut. Smith's contract gives him $10.15 million in salary plus in bonus pay in the 2013 season. Vilma's contract gives him $6 million through the 2013 season. If both Smith and Vilma are released, the Saints will be charged with $9.4 million in contract penalties within the next two years. If this is not enough room, the Saints could be making even more releases and cuts into some salaries. For instance, safety Roman Harper's days with the Saints could be numbered. He will be collecting $5.4 million in 2013 with his current contract with the team.
How did this all happen? Drew Brees will be taking a huge chunk of pay home in the 2013 season. Brees will be going from the $10.4 million that he made in the 2012 season, to $17.4 million he will be making next season. This could cause a loss of some key players on this roster. So with out a doubt, the Saints will be making some slices and dices if they want to cover for their free agents, draft picks, undrafted free agents, Sean Payton's expired contact, etc. They could be in trouble.
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