By Jeff Duncan

The New Orleans Saints released a statement today regarding the NFL lockout. Here is the statement in full:

STATEMENT FROM THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

March 12, 2011

The expiration of the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the players’ union is an unfortunate and serious situation. The Saints organization is concerned for the people involved, especially for the great fans of our game, and particularly those of our team. We take this current period sincerely and are resolute in our determination to reach a common accord. We remain confident that meaningful dialogue between the League and the players’ union will continue until such time that a resolution is reached.

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By The Times-Picayune

The New Orleans Saints have reached a four-year deal with running back Pierre Thomas.

Sources indicate the deal is worth $12 million.

Thomas was an undrafted free agent when he signed with the Saints as an out of Illinois in 2007.

He had ankle injuries that held him in check last season and had surgery after the season ended

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By Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

Longtime New Orleans Saints kicker John Carney is in talks with the Saints about becoming a full-time coach or consultant – similar to the role he played down the stretch of their Super Bowl championship season in 2009-2010.

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By James Varney, The Times-Picayune

The New Orleans Saints and kicker Garrett Hartley have agreed to terms on a new five-year deal Wednesday night, according to a league source. UPDATE: The Saints confirmed the agreement.

Hartley is expected to sign the contract today.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal was complicated not only by the labor uncertainty hanging over the NFL, but also by rules already on the books about renegotiating of rookie contracts. Hartley was an undrafted free agent rookie and his original contract fell under that.

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By the Time Picayune

Former New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey on Tuesday issued a statement to his fans via his official Twitter account and Facebook page:

“Always will remember my time in New Orleans. What a city, you all welcomed me like one of your own, and we had a great run. Onto the next chapter, the Deep Unknown.”

Shockey, who was released by the team Tuesday, played three seasons in New Orleans, catching 139 passes for 1,460 yards with six touchdowns in 38 regular season games, 34 of them starts.

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By The Times-Picayune

The New Orleans Saints have terminated the contract of tight end Jeremy Shockey, the team released in a statement.

“I’d like to thank Jeremy for the contributions he made to our team during his time in New Orleans,” Saints GM Mickey Loomis said. “These decisions are never easy to make and we wish him the best in the future.”

“Jeremy played an important role in helping our team bring a Super Bowl championship to New Orleans,” said Coach Sean Payton. “He contributed to the success of our offense, both as a pass-catcher and run blocker, and we’re appreciative of his efforts.”

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New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith appears to be one step closer to finally serving the four-game suspension that has been looming since 2008, thanks to a court ruling Tuesday in Minnesota.

Smith was one of several players who tested positive for a banned diuretic in the infamous “StarCaps” saga, along with former Saints players Deuce McAllister and Charles Grant and Minnesota Vikings players Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. But their suspensions have been on hold for more than two years while the players have battled the merits of their punishments in the courtroom.

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New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton reiterated his commitment to both his team and his family Tuesday night, while discussing his family’s decision to move to the Dallas suburbs with The Times-Picayune.

He stressed that he has no desire to coach anywhere but New Orleans, but he added that he doesn’t envision himself coaching for another “10-12 years.”

“I don’t see myself coaching ’til I’m 60. I have other aspirations, especially as it pertains to my children,” said Payton, whose family has always hoped to one day settle in the Westlake suburb of Dallas, near where they lived from 2003-2005.

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