i think the saints are in worse shape, mainly because they have so many players that need to be re-signed in the next year or two.
this year the biggest deal is jermon bushrod...but they are also up against the wall because their center hits FA this year as well so they have to secure their LT and OC...which won't be inexpensive.
they've got several other "issues" to deal with in re-signing guys and dealing with players who are getting a pretty significant upward tick contractually this year, but they've also got to face the reality that jimmy graham is heading into the last year of his contract and despite being their best/most reliable/most targeted receiver, is only scheduled to make just under $1.5mill (iirc). he's looking at other predominately pass catching TEs who are getting/demanding WR contract treatment so they've got to work out something with him soon. i've heard rumors that he might hold out this year, and i can't say i wouldn't blame him...in fact i encourage it (mainly because it would screw with the saints).
and then they are looking at their defense which was the worst ever. you've got to know that they are wanting to upgrade everywhere. so far all they've done is change DCs but that's essentially putting lipstick on a piglet.
they need more help than we do and have more people to sign with barely more space than we have. they might be able to re-sign a few key people, but they won't be able to do much to upgrade that defense in FA and they don't have a 2nd round pick to help out this year so there's more pressure on them to use FA.
given a choice between the two contract situations...i'd rather have ours.
I agree somewhat, but then I think about future years. The Saints have their QB signed long term, Carolina doesn't. Plus Carolina has Hardy (going to get a massive deal similar to CJ) and Newton coming up in the next few years with horrible cap numbers.
The saint's made a move the other day by restructuring Brinkley that put them at 2.9 million over the cap, If the Saints cut Vilma, Smith and Herring and they are 12 million under the cap.





