The biggest questions looming for the Saints today is what will happen with Nicks and Colston.
Although New Orleans has parted ways with valued veterans in recent years, the Saints have never bid farewell to anyone of Nicks' or Colston's status during this current era of success.
Both will come at a high price tag. Nicks is seeking to become the highest-paid guard in NFL history, at more than $8.5 million per year. Colston also could command an annual salary in the $8 million range.
Nicks, for one, continued to insist that he would love to stay with the Saints but expects to leave. Nicks said he remains disappointed that the team hasn't made any contract offers or serious attempts to keep him.
Nicks, who turns 27 in May, said his goal is to surpass the $8.5 million per year of New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins. But Nicks also hinted that he might consider taking less money to stay with the Saints.
At the very least, he wants to have that choice.
"From my understanding, they think they can't afford me, and they didn't want to throw out a number that was disrespectful, I guess," Nicks said of the Saints, who have talked briefly with his agent, Ben Dogra, but not to Nicks directly this offseason. "In a lot of regards I can understand that. It makes sense, but I also feel like any kind of offer is better than no kind of offer. I think it's more disrespectful to not even offer me. At least try."
The Saints haven't offered any insight into their plans for Nicks. Likely, they will be interested in bringing Nicks back only if he comes at a price tag they believe makes sense in the short term and the long term. It's possible they're waiting to enter the bidding only if he doesn't get the kind of offers he's hoping for early.
Nicks, however, has made it clear that he wanted to hear from the Saints sooner.
"I know I've said I want to be paid a certain amount, but at the end of the day, I said I want to be back with the Saints, and I'm waiting on any kind of offer," Nicks said. "My goal is to get more than ($8.5 million per year). I feel like I deserve that. But I never told them, 'If you guys are in the ballpark, I wouldn't consider it.' I play with Drew Brees. We always have a chance to win. That counts for a lot."
Nicks said his close relationship with guard Jahri Evans and left tackle Jermon Bushrod also counts for a lot. Nicks said he has been hanging out with them in recent days while spending time in New Orleans -- in part to let the Saints know he's in town and ready to visit with them.
"Jahri and Jermon have been trying to push me to stay, telling me to go talk to them, pretty much saying anything," Nicks said. "That means a lot. I really love those guys. It's difficult right now."
At the same time, Nicks said he'll be prepared to hop on a plane and go visit a team once the free agency window opens -- assuming that's how it works. He said he really doesn't know what to expect.
"I don't know anything about anything," said Nicks, who described himself as "super anxious and excited but a little nervous."
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