Sources: Possible first-round pick to visit Saints
The New Orleans Saints don’t seem to be in need of a quarterback, but that hasn’t stopped them from scheduling a visit with one of the most highly regarded passers for the 2011 NFL draft.
FOXSports.com has learned through league sources the team is expected to have former TCU QB Andy Dalton in for a visit within the next few weeks. And the Saints have worked out at least one quarterback (Tyrod Taylor of Virginia Tech).
The visit is curious on several fronts.
Veteran QB Drew Brees is signed through 2013, but his contract will void after the 2011 season because of meeting minimum playing time levels earlier in his contract. It’s widely believed the team will re-sign him to a new deal or extend his contract before next season ends.
And the team is still believed to be high on No. 2 QB Chase Daniel.
Saints head coach Sean Payton’s interest in Daniel goes back several years. Payton was an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys when Daniel was in high school in the Dallas area.
Dalton could go in the first round and is not expected to get past the 38th selection overall (Arizona Cardinals), which is much higher than the Saints are picking in the second round (56th overall).
So why would they visit with him?
Despite what fans think, teams will bring in some players they don’t have much interest in drafting. They do this in the event that a chance opens up down the road to pursue the player during free agency.
The Saints also have QB Sean Canfield on their 80-man roster. He was on and off their practice squad and active roster several times last season.
As first reported last week, Dalton had a workout scheduled with the Indianapolis Colts, another team seemingly not in need of a quarterback.
