Friday, February 18, 2000
Pickens fit for Saints?
New QB Blake: 'Go get him'
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NFL sources said Thursday the New Orleans Saints have expressed interest in acquiring Bengals wide receiver Carl Pickens.
The Baltimore Ravens called the Bengals this week, but the Saints are the latest and most intriguing entry in
the Pickens derby. While New Orleans General Manager Randy Mueller denied the interest, the Saints signed former Bengals quarterback Jeff Blake last week, and Blake and Pickens had a chemistry that produced 47 touchdown passes.
Pickens is frustrated with the losing in Cincinnati, and while the Saints were a game worse than the Bengals last year at 3-13, he's apparently willing to go anywhere to get out of Cincinnati.
Blake, who has been trying to steer the Saints in the free-agent market to former Bengals receiver Willie Jackson, was pleased to hear New Orleans might be willing to spend $3 million for Pickens' salary this season.
“If they're going to spend it, go get him,” Blake said. “I know how to handle him. We know each other. Why would a team give up a (combination) that threw for so many touchdowns?”
Blake is excited about Saints receivers Eddie Kennison and free-agent pickup Joe Horn, both speed receivers. He says a big possession receiver like Pickens or Jackson is all that New Orleans lacks.
“If they don't want to spend a lot money, Willie is a big strong guy like Pick who knows how to use his body,” Blake said. “But if they want to spend it, Carl is obviously one of the best. We scored a lot of points up there.”
The Bengals' hope to get a first-round pick for Pickens has fallen on deaf ears, and the Saints don't have one anyway. But Saints coach Jim Haslett said they might use their second-rounder on a receiver.
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