Jahri

Evans

Evans agreed to turn “most” of his 2012 salary into a signing bonus, which will prorate its cap hit over the final five years of his contract. The move clears roughly $2 million in cap space for the Saints, who are “around” $8 million under the projected 2012 cap.

“Now I kinda know how free agency will go,” Nicks said. “Anxiety’s still there but I’m a little calmer.” Nicks may still be “hoping” to end up back in New Orleans, but the money simply won’t be there for a team that committed $56.7 million to RG Jahri Evans two years ago. Nicks has gone on the record as hoping to beat Evans’ deal in free agency.

The procedure is said to be “minor,” and Evans insists it won’t keep him out of any offseason workouts. Evans is coming off his third straight first-team All-Pro selection, and he still has not missed a start in his career, stringing together 96 consecutively. All of his starts have been at right guard.

Vilma, who is appealing his year-long suspension for his role in the bounty scandal, is apparently still rehabbing from the knee injury that limited him for most of 2011. Evans previously insisted his arthroscopic surgery was “minor,” and wouldn’t hold him out of OTAs. It’s unclear if he’ll be 100 percent for training camp.

As is typical, the missing $4.2 million in salary should be turned into a “signing bonus” that pro-rates over the final four years of Evans’ deal. It frees up roughly $3 million in 2013 cap space.

Averaging $8.1 million annually, the deal makes Evans the richest guard in NFL history. A four-year starter without a single missed game in his career, Evans earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2009. According to Pro Football Focus’ metrics, he was the league’s best all-around guard and No. 2 run-blocking interior lineman, behind only Jets C Nick Mangold. The new contract puts Evans under control through his age-34 season. Guards have lengthy shelf lives, so it looks to be a worthwhile investment for both sides.

Evans didn’t play a single snap despite being active last week. He should return to the starting lineup for Monday night’s game against the Dolphins.

Evans has been a first-team All-Pro in each of the last four seasons, has never missed a start in his seven-year career and graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 8 guard last year. He leads a Saints’ offensive line that will at least be competent and could be an asset if Charles Brown holds his own at left tackle. We know they’ll be strong inside.

Evans apparently got injured in Sunday’s win over the 49ers. It’s unclear if he’s dealing with a high-ankle sprain. Tim Lelito will fill in against Atlanta. Evans has 11 days to get healthy for New Orleans’ Week 13 Monday night showdown with the Seahawks.

Astute Seahawks analyst Rob Rang of CBS Sports observed that Evans was “done” after watching him in the preseason, and the Seahawks ostensibly agree. Evans turned 33 earlier this month. He lasted four weeks on Seattle’s roster.