The Saints didn’t have the cap room to retain Carl Nicks, but I don’t think they’ll see a huge difference between him and Ben Grubbs. Guard is not the most important position in the world and Grubbs ranked 9^th on ProFootballFocus last season. I think the difference between Nicks’ ability and Grubbs’ ability is smaller than the difference between Nicks’ contract (5 years, 47.5 million), and Grubbs’ contract (5 years 36 million), especially in terms of guaranteed money (31 million to 16 million).

I really like this move. With Colston back and Grubbs replacing Nicks, assuming Drew Brees doesn’t hold out into the season, the Saints offense should be just as explosive in 2012 as it was in 2011. A week or so ago, that wasn’t necessarily the case.

Grade: A