Darren Sharper doesn't know why the Saints are allowing him to test the free agent market. Sharper wants to return to New Orleans, but was notified on Monday that the Super Bowl champions would not retain him with the franchise tag. "They said they want me back, but if you want someone back, why are you going to let them test the market?," Sharper told NFL.com. "I don't know how much they want me back if they're allowing other teams to bid for my services. Being in this situation before, if a team is willing to let you test the market, they're willing to let you go." Sharper, 34, earned Pro Bowl honors this past season after tying for a league-high nine interceptions. He signed a one-year, $1.7 million free-agent deal with the Saints last year after being released by the Vikings. "I'm going to want to be compensated market value," Sharper said. "Hopefully things work out (with the Saints). I know the system, and the team was more successful once I got there. They know the value. It's simple economics. You pay someone what they deserve. I was a bargain deal last year. "It's tough because the fan base is great, and we had something special and we have a chance to repeat. It would be bad if I wasn't able to return. We'll see if they make me an offer that is competitive."