NFL free agency officially begins today and the Saints have a number of holes to fill, the biggest at starting quarterback. Rod Walker covers the Saints for the Advocate Newspaper and says if the team fails in its pursuit of Texas QB Deshaun Watson, they could lose out on re-signing Jameis Winston, who went five and two as a starter last season…
cut 17 (12) “….after all”
The Deshaun Watson trade sweepstakes could come to an end today as Houston could pull the trigger on a trade today.

New Orleans has lost safety Marcus Williams to free agency. The second-round pick in the 2017 draft has signed a five-year, 70-million dollar deal with the Ravens. But the Saints have found his replacement as they’ve reportedly inked a three-year deal with Marcus Maye. Maye has been a starter with the Jets, but he tore his Achilles last November.

Former LSU Tiger and West Monroe star Andrew Whitworth has announced his retirement at the age of 40 and after 16 NFL seasons. Whitworth was just honored as the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year and he also goes out on top, winning his first Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams.

What’s next immediately for Whitworth is up in the air. Coaching, broadcasting, and even joining the Rams front office are all possibilities. West Monroe native Rick Guillot, who also serves on the board of Whitworth’s foundation, says his dedication to making a difference for others is one thing that won’t be in question.
Cut 16 (12) “…already made.”

In college baseball last night, fourth-ranked LSU held off Tulane seven to five for its fifth straight win. Right-hander Eric Reyzelman struck out six of the eight hitters he faces. Southeastern Louisaina upset top-ranked Ole Miss five to one in Hammond. It’s the third victory for the Lions against a ranked opponent this season. Walker Burchfield homered twice as Louisiana Tech doubled up ULM 8-4.