Shaun "Big Baby" Rogers was once one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the NFL. And then he sent to Cleveland.....
After many injuries, an airport arrest, and a disappointing on-field tenure in Cleveland, the Browns cut ties with the veteran in February. And while generally speaking players cannot sign with new teams until the new CBA is in place, veterans who were under an existing contract who were released are permitted to sign with new teams.
Rogers was dominant in Detroit as a 4-3 DT and seemed out of place and unmotivated in the Browns' 3-4 scheme. The Miami Herald has reported that the New Orleans Saints have signed Rogers to a one-year contract yesterday. Rogers will turn 32 in a couple weeks and while he struggled in his 3 seasons with the Browns, this could be an outstanding move for the Saints.
First of all, it is a great move for the Saints to sign him to a one-year deal for a couple reasons. Rogers can be dominant if he's motivated and signing him to a short-term deal has the potential to maximize his ability. Secondarily, with the uncertainty surrounding the new CBA makes a short-term deal a very smart move.
The Saints, who are now 1 year removed from a Super Bowl championship have not been very stout on the defensive side of the ball. Rogers, a ten year veteran, can still make an immediate and significant impact for the Saints if and when there is football in 2011.
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