By James Varney, The Times-Picayune

The New Orleans Saints announced Monday they have agreed to terms of a contract extension with Coach Sean Payton through the 2015 season.

Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

In a statement, Saints owner Tom Benson praised Payton’s skills and success.

“I am very pleased to announce this contract extension today for Sean that will run through the 2015 season,” the statement read. “Our goal is to continue to build a TRADITION of winning here in New Orleans and Sean represents that tradition.”

By Sheila Stroup, The Times-Picayune

As the New Orleans Saints began their season, Rev. Tony Ricard, Saints Team Chaplain, leads the Who Dat Nation in a pre-season petition for Super Bowl blessings.

Lord, hear our prayer:

God of Many Nations,

With joy in our hearts, we the people of the Gulf South join with all the angels in heaven as we proclaim, “Who Dat Say Dey Gonna Beat Dem Saints?”

Since the dawn of time, you have been calling your saints to levels of heroic greatness and miraculous victories.

Thousands of years ago, you called Abraham and Sarah to unite as one and form a nation of good and holy people. Through their love and your providence, the Hebrew nation formed the foundation of a multitude of prophetic saints.

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By Pat Yasinskas

heck here for a complete list of the New Orleans Saints’ roster moves.

Biggest surprises: Although the Saints almost certainly will have the NFC South’s oldest opening-day roster, they did show they’re not stuck on having a bunch of veterans. They released linebacker Clint Ingram and safety Pierson Prioleau.

Both had deep ties to defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, and Prioleau was the special-teams captain last season. But the release of Ingram shows the Saints believe the younger legs of Will Herring, Martez Wilson, Ramon Humber and Jonathan Casillas can cover more ground at outside linebacker. By releasing Prioleau and safety Chris Reis, the Saints are showing a lot of faith in undrafted rookie Isa Abdul-Quddus.

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By Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

Here’s what the New Orleans Saints’ 53-man roster looks like after all their roster moves this weekend. Keep in mind, it’s subject to change on a daily basis from here on out:

QB – Drew Brees, Chase Daniel

RB – Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, Joique Bell

FB – Korey Hall, Jed Collins

WR – Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Adrian Arrington

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By The Times-Picayune

at Green Bay, Thursday: All games count as one, but this one will have the hype and feel of more than that as the NFL showcases the last two Super Bowl champions. The Saints’ defense must contend, right out of the gate, with a super offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and boasting perhaps a resurgent running game with the return of Ryan Grant.

vs. Chicago, Sept. 18: The Bears went to the NFC championship game last season but few are expecting them to repeat that run. Which means this is a conference game the Saints must win, particularly if they are coming off a loss in the opener. New Orleans will have plenty of time to prepare, given Green Bay is a Thursday night game.

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By John DeShazier, The Times-Picayune

Literally, it’s hard to argue that the New Orleans Saints didn’t pluck the biggest free agent off the market this year.

See, despite the team’s reasonable statistical ranking against the run last season – New Orleans ranked a middle-of-the-pack 16th overall, allowing 112.3 yards and 4.3 yards per attempt – there was an obvious hole that required a plug.

And, well, you have to figure that Shaun Rogers and his 6-foot-4, 350-pound frame can plug a man-sized hole.

Ted Jackson/The Times-Picayune

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By The Times-Picayune

The New Orleans Saints have made several moves today, according to the NFL transaction wire:

There was conflicting reports on Chris Ivory’s status on the team, but according to a league source, he is headed to the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP).

Other moves:

Reserve/injured: RB Patrick Cobbs; WR Joe Morgan (knee); S Paul Oliver.

Reserve/non-football injury: DE Greg Romeus (knee). Contracts terminated: OT Jordan Black; S Quincy Butler; OT George Foster; TE Tory Humphrey; CB Trumaine McBride; S Pierson Prioleau; S Chris Reis; FB Chris Taylor (from reserve/injured, injury settlement).

Placed on waivers: WR Montez Billings; DT Dexter Larimore; TE Tyler Lorenzen; LB Dwight Roberson

By Pat Yasinskas

With the start of the regular season just days away, the New Orleans Saints suddenly seem to have a major problem.

John Kasay, the veteran kicker the team signed earlier this week, missed a field goal attempt and an extra point attempt in Thursday night’s preseason finale. Kasay was signed after regular kicker Garrett Hartley injured his hip.

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By James Varney, The Times-Picayune

The NFL announced Friday that New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith will be suspended for two games and fined four game checks for a banned substance case that dates back to 2008. The suspension will be for the first two games and thus Smith is out for the Saints – and the league’s – season opener this Thursday at Green Bay.

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