The Saints have yet to open extension talks with contract-year LT Jermon Bushrod.

Bushrod is owed just $3.25 million in 2012, and is eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2013. But he isn't fighting the franchise about it. "I'd definitely love to be here the next few years," said Bushrod, who turns 28 in a month and made the 2011 Pro Bowl. "I just want to win really bad, especially this year."

Saints LT Jermon Bushrod underwent a "pretty major" surgery for a torn shoulder labrum just after last season.

Bushrod has resumed practicing, but it's a noteworthy fact for a contract-year player going on age 28. Pro Football Focus graded Bushrod as the eighth best left tackle in football last season, charging him with only two sacks in 16 starts. Drew Brees' feel for pressure and quick release both help, of course.

Coach Sean Payton believes Jermon Bushrod has "quietly established himself" as a quality blindside tackle.

"Each year he's gotten better," Payton said. "He's a very smart player. ... I thought he did an outstanding job last week against one of our league's best rushers (Dwight Freeney). That's been good for us with protection and also with our running game."

Saints agreed to terms with LT Jermon Bushrod on a two-year deal.

Drew Brees' blindside protector is in place as the Saints withstood a late charge from the Vikings and Bears. The two-year deal is a sign that they believe 2010 second-round pick Charles Brown will be ready to take over at left tackle sooner rather than later. In the meantime, Bushrod figures to continue to excel in pass blocking while struggling in the run game.

The Vikings have reportedly entered the mix for free agent LT Jermon Bushrod.

The Vikes wouldn't carry two left tackles, so perhaps they're looking to upgrade on Bryant McKinnie. Bushrod has that potential, but he's been highly inconsistent in New Orleans. The Bears and Saints are also in on Bushrod.

In addition to RT Willie Colon, the Bears are also reportedly interested in free agent LT Jermon Bushrod.

According to ESPN Chicago, Colon is a contingency plan in case the Bears can't pry Bushrod away from the Saints. The Bears' moves also hinge on the outcome in Atlanta, waiting for the dominoes to fall with Tyson Clabo, Justin Blaylock, and Harvey Dahl.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune expects LT Jermon Bushrod to be the Saints' top priority once free agency kicks off.

Bushrod has been inconsistent the past two years, but the Saints have won with him guarding Drew Brees' blindside. Still building up strength and recovering from post-season back surgery, Charles Brown isn't considered a realistic option to start this year.

Free agent LT Jermon Bushrod would "love" to re-sign with the Saints this summer.

"I love the situation we have going," said Bushrod. "I would love a long-term deal. ... They know that I want to be there and they're happy with me." Bushrod was tendered at the second-round level in March, though there's a chance four-year players will end up unrestricted under the next CBA. A one-year deal might be ideal for New Orleans, allowing Charles Brown to step in 2012.

Saints extended a second-round restricted free agent tender to LT Jermon Bushrod.

Bushrod entered the league in 2007, so he's a good bet to be unrestricted under the next CBA. He graded out as one of Pro Football Focus' worst run-blocking tackles, but the Saints clearly value him for his athletic pass blocking. Should he draw an offer he can't refuse, Charles Brown would be pushed into a starting job.

Saints LT Jermon Bushrod will being going up against DE Mario Williams in Saturday's preseason game against the Texans.

A solid performance would go a long way in lengthening Bushrod's regular season leash.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune speculates that Saints LT Jermon Bushrod will not be on a long leash to open the year.

Second-round pick Charles Brown is the Saints' most talented alternative after the team traded Jammal Brown to Washington. Bushrod was exposed by speed rushers last year. Brown is more athletic, but needs to get stronger.

Jermon Bushrod is assured of entering the season as the Saints' starting left tackle following Saturday's trade of Jammal Brown.

The Saints did win a championship with the athletic former fourth-rounder guarding Drew Brees' blindside, though Bushrod was highly inconsistent in pass protection. He tended to fare well against top pass rushers only to get beat by mediocre talents. The Saints have second-rounder Charles Brown and veteran Zach Strief around for insurance. Brees' fantasy value is unfazed.

Saints coach Sean Payton said that Jermon Bushrod and unsigned restricted free agent Jammal Brown would split reps at left tackle -- if/when Brown gets back with the team.

There were rumors that Brown, who spent all of last season on injured reserve, would be traded. But he's still a Saint for now and it will create an interesting position battle. The upside of Bushrod is one of the reasons Brown isn't getting the long-term deal he is seeking.

Saints re-signed restricted free agent OT Jermon Bushrod to a one-year, $1.684 million contract.

Though he dealt with inconsistency down the stretch, Bushrod's rapid development in filling in for injured LT Jammal Brown was a key to the Saints' dream season. He'll return as valuable Brown insurance again in 2010.