Jermon

Bushrod

Bushrod will sign a one-day contract to retire with the Saints. He started eight of his 12 seasons in the league, but injures played a role in his declining play the last two years. Bushrod won a Super Bowl in 2009 and made two Pro Bowl appearances.

Bushrod made six starts in place of an injured Terron Armstead last year. The Panthers re-signed Daryl Williams and got a breakout 2018 from LT Taylor Moton, but Bushrod would add some depth after releasing Matt Kalil.

Going on 35, Bushrod is also headed to free agency. He needs thumb surgery. A career tackle who shifted to guard for the Dolphins in 2016-17, Bushrod was back at tackle in 2018.

It’s a quiet week for the Saints after their biggest injury question mark (Ted Ginn) was placed on injured reserve.

Bushrod is owed just $3.25 million in 2012, and is eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2013. But he isn’t fighting the franchise about it. “I’d definitely love to be here the next few years,” said Bushrod, who turns 28 in a month and made the 2011 Pro Bowl. “I just want to win really bad, especially this year.”

Bushrod has resumed practicing, but it’s a noteworthy fact for a contract-year player going on age 28. Pro Football Focus graded Bushrod as the eighth best left tackle in football last season, charging him with only two sacks in 16 starts. Drew Brees’ feel for pressure and quick release both help, of course.

“Each year he’s gotten better,” Payton said. “He’s a very smart player. ... I thought he did an outstanding job last week against one of our league’s best rushers (Dwight Freeney). That’s been good for us with protection and also with our running game.”

Bushrod is set to become an unrestricted free agent this spring and the two sides have had no known contact about an extension. Drew Brees’ blind-side protector will certainly garner interest on the open market, but he’s graded out poorly as Pro Football Focus’ 21st-ranked left tackle this season. Much of that has to do with his five false start penalties.

“That’s easy to figure out,” Loomis said. “Jermon Bushrod’s a UFA who’s a good player. It’s going to be subject to what his perceived market is and what we’re able to do. He’s the No. 1 tough deal.” Although the Saints were in a similarly tough salary cap crunch last offseason, Loomis managed to bring back most of his key contributors.

The Saints prefer to re-sign Bushrod, but he won’t be a priority if he wants top left tackle money. It’s a “buyer’s market” at tackle in both free agency and the draft, and Bushrod is a replacement-level starter. He does have a connection to new Bears line coach Aaron Kromer, New Orleans’ 2012 interim head coach.