Veteran defenders Tommy Kelly, Will Smith and James Anderson are no longer New England Patriots as of Monday. Will they find a new landing spot?

With so many college stars graduating to the NFL, it's time to start examining the players who will be replacing this year's crop of rookies, including who will take over for Justin Gilbert.

The 2014 NFL Draft wrapped up as all 32 teams solidified their future and possibly laid the groundwork for a few Super Bowls. How did your team do? Check out our quick-snap draft grades.

Will Smith is done for the New Orleans Saints this season after suffering a knee injury, forcing the team to adjust to playing without another key member of its defense.

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was an oversight on the "Top 100 Players of 2013," but his value isn't lost on general manager Mickey Loomis, who told reporters a contract extension has been discussed.

Sean Payton is back at Drew Brees' side, but is this a seven-win also-ran or a 12-win contender? Adam Schein says this is what makes the New Orleans Saints the most fascinating team in football.

The New Orleans Saints are enjoying their first "normal" offseason since 2009. So which players are benefiting? Tight end Jimmy Graham is back healthy and ready to rebound.

The New Orleans Saints' rebuilt defense took a hit this week when outside linebacker Victor Butler tore his ACL. He reportedly will undergo surgery Tuesday, an operation that likely will end his season.

Victor Butler came to the New Orleans Saints with the hope of being their best pass rusher. That hope came to a sudden halt Tuesday after Butler tore his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Dallas Cowboys are switching their defensive scheme under new coordinator Monte Kiffin. Will the change work in Big D? Marc Sessler looks at five teams that are revamping their defenses in 2013.

The New Orleans Saints' new 3-4 defensive scheme means a lot of new positions for old players. Can Will Smith really play outside linebacker?

The New Orleans Saints need the pieces to transition over to defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme. There are plenty of places to start, though pass rushers always are a priority.

Whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers snag Darrelle Revis or draft a prospect like Xavier Rhodes or Desmond Trufant, they have to do something at cornerback, Gregg Rosenthal says.

Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Victor Butler, who used to rush the passer in Rob Ryan's 3-4 defensive front, will be reunited with the coordinator on the New Orleans Saints.

The Seattle Seahawks, with Percy Harvin, are loaded. The Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions seem primed for comeback seasons. Gregg Rosenthal breaks down how free agency has impacted the NFC.

After spending the last four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, free-agent linebacker Victor Butler reportedly will visit with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and the New Orleans Saints.

Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith have agreed to rework their contracts with the New Orleans Saints, freeing some salary-cap space as free agency gets underway.

In his free agency primer for the NFC South, Elliot Harrison says the Atlanta Falcons must re-sign Brent Grimes ... or else the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could swoop in and poach the gifted cornerback.

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton would like to see defensive end Will Smith, linebacker Jonathan Vilma and safety Roman Harper return. Payton hinted pay cuts will be necessary.

With their leadership back in place, the New Orleans Saints will look to rebound from a lost 2012 season. The first step is overhauling a historically futile defense, Chris Wesseling writes.

Gregg Rosenthal looks at possible salary-cap casualty candidates in the NFC, from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb to Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

The strange, yet oddly familiar saga of Alex Smith is unlikely to continue with the San Francisco 49ers next season. The real question is: Will Smith be traded or cut?