Louisiana senate is due to debate a proposed bill that could ultimately have some affect on the New Orleans Saints in the near future. The bill, which could be addressed as early as today, would look to reduce the amount of worker's compensation that Saints players would receive were they to suffer an injury before or after the regular season.
House Bill 1069 is making its way through the Louisiana legislature, and if passed, could become a key ingredient used by rival teams to negative recruit potential free agents from considering signing on with the Saints. A player who suffered an injury in training camp or an offseason workout would not be subject to the financial security they could get from teams located in other states.
Drew Brees and his teammates are in opposition of proposed bill 1069 in Louisiana.
The bill may not affect some of the higher profile free agents the team could target in the future, as those players will be offered large sums of money regardless of whether or not the proposed move goes through. It would, however, likely have a more resounding affect with free agents who would be subject to lesser offers, such as veterans needed for depth and even undrafted free agents. Rival teams who are after the same players could bring up the bill during negotiations and point to a more stable financial floor in their own state.The Saints have done well in unearthing many gems from their undrafted free agent classes in the Sean Payton era.
The NFL Players Association is aware of the bill, saying it "discriminates against pro athletes instead of treating them like every other employee in the state." Members of the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee are set to meet with Saints representatives and players to further discuss the matter. Saints Quarterback Drew Brees recently tweeted, "Don't get involved in politics often, but fighting 4 my teammates and LA workers. Say NO to Bill 1069."
The Saints brought in a strong free agent class this offseason, and followed it up with a solid draft class last week. This proposed bill could also affect team Owner Tom Benson's other franchise, the New Orleans Peicans of the NBA as well as the Arena Football League's New Orleans Zephyrs and AAA Baseball club New Orleans Zephyrs.