It has been awhile since the last installment in this series, but now we are moving on to the NFC South and what better place to start than New Orleans?

It wasn’t that long ago when the Saints and the 49ers were in the same division but at opposite ends of the talent spectrum. Now it’s 2010 and our old divisional door mat is all grown up and they’re Super Bowl champions to boot.

Most of the headlines concerning New Orleans have focused on Reggie Bush, and whether or not he will be back with the team next season. While it is true that $8 million is a big number for a player of his ilk, Sean Payton values his contributions to the offense too much for Bush to simply be cut or traded. Eventually, this will be recognized for the non-issue that it really is.

The Saints should instead be focusing on adding to their depth on offense, and improving their inconsistent defense. Let’s take a look at who the team could potentially lose via free agency.

See all of the New Orleans free agents after the jump…

Free Agents

DL Remi Ayodele (RFA) – Ayodele took over as the starting nose during the season. New Orleans’ run defense improved when he teamed up with Sedrick Ellis on the interior of their line.

RB Mike Bell (UFA) - He competed with Pierre Thomas for carries during the first part of the season, but his strong start to the season stalled down the stretch when he aggravated a knee injury.

T Jammal Brown (RFA) – Brown was placed on IR after undergoing hip and sports hernia surgery. According to Rotoworld he is still one of New Orleans’ top linemen and they expect him to resign with the team.

T Jermon Bushrod (RFA) – Bushrod did a good job filling in for the injured Jammal Brown at left tackle. It will be interesting to see whether or not the Saints bring one or both of these guys back.

DL Jeff Charleston (UFA)

TE Darnell Dinkins (UFA) – Listed as New Orleans’ third tight end, he only caught one pass in 2009.

G Jahri Evans (RFA) – Evans is regarded as one of the league’s best young guards, and he could have had a chance for a big payday if a collective bargaining agreement had been hammered out. As it is now, he will most likely end up back with the Saints on a relatively cheap contract.

LB Scott Fujita (UFA) – Fujita is 31 and not known for his playmaking ability. Still, he has been solid for the Saints and it’s possible that they will bring him back. However, it seems more likely that they’ll try to upgrade the outside linebacker position.

DL Anthony Hargrove (RFA) – Hargrove is a talented lineman and he was solid in the middle for New Orleans, racking up five sacks and 42 tackles.

DB Roman Harper (UFA) – Harper excelled under Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams. With free safety Darren Sharper manning centerfield, Harper was asked to play in the box more. He was effective against the run and in blitz packages.

And the Remaining NFL Free agency previews are….

2011 Super Bowl Predictions at football betting section.