The New Orleans Saints and right tackle Zach Strief have agreed to a five-year contract extension.

Strief became a starter in 2011.

Strief, who played in college at Northwestern, was one of two seventh-round picks by the Saints in the 2006 NFL draft, the other being receiver Marques Colston.

The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired Darren Sproles for a fifth round pick in a trade with the New Orleans Saints.

The Eagles were eliminated by the Saints the last season's playoffs.

"Darren Sproles is an unbelievable offensive weapon," Chip Kelly said. "He can do it all -- run, catch -- plus he's a proven winner. And on top of that, he can bring all of those dynamic skills to the return game as well. There is no question we were all excited once we found out we were going to be able to trade for him."

The New Orleans Saints and Pierre Thomas have agreed upon a two-year deal.

Thomas will enter 2014 as the Saints' No. 1 running back with Darren Sproles exiting.

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a six-year deal, $54 million deal with Jairus Byrd.

Byrd will receive $28 million in guaranteed money.

Byrd is a three-time Pro Bowl safety.

The New Orleans Saints will trade Darren Sproles.

The Saints entered the offseason determined to trade Sproles or cut him. Sproles turns 31 in June and the Saints picked him as a cap casualty.

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms with Malcolm Jenkins on a three-year, $16.25 million deal.

The Eagles were looking for an upgrade at safety from Patrick Chung.

Jenkins was originally drafted as a cornerback but successful moved to safety early in his career.

The New Orleans Saints will release Darren Sproles to save more than $3 million in cap space.

The Saints attempted to trade Sproles.

Sproles had 165 touches in 2013 as a multi-dimensional threat.

The New Orleans Saints are open to trading away several key members of their offense, including Pierre Thomas, Lance Moore and even Darren Sproles.

The Saints are just $1.5 million under the cap and need to free up space.

Sproles is set to cost $4.25 million and has been a productive target for Drew Brees.

While Jimmy Graham received the franchise tag from the New Orleans Saints, there may be a few teams that are willing to part with two first rounders to acquire him.

"I think the only players more valuable than Jimmy Graham are three or four quarterbacks," said one AFC general manager. "That's it."

A team that is drafting late in the first round could believe Graham is worth it.

Several executives believe a handful of franchises are preparing offers to acquire Graham.