The idea for the New Orleans Saints is not to rebuild,: it is building for a better future.

The NFL raised the salary cap to $130 million for the 2014 season, which puts the Saints around $4.6 million under the cap. This is after the release of several high contract players, which caused a bit of an uproar from fans in New Orleans.

The scariest term in sports for fans: rebuild.

Fans want the best product on the field now because they are spending their money to attend games. The problem is that the Saints are in a financial bind because of large contracts with quarterback Drew Brees, who has said he will restructure if necessary.

On the defensive side, the Saints had to release Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma, Roman Harper and Jabari Greer. The biggest surprise from that group was Jabari Greer, but even that was not a blindsided decision. All of them had hefty contracts and they were simply role players past their primes.

On the offensive side, the Saints cut ties with running back Darren Sproles and receiver Lance Moore.

Sproles played just 33 percent of the offensive snaps this year and was primarily used for screens (which have become far too predictable over the years) and as a return guy. Predictability is the reason why they want to implement a power run game with Ingram and Robinson.

Moore’s role diminished with the productivity from Kenny Stills. Moore is 30 years old and 5’9, there is not much upside going forward. Cap space save on Moore is 2.5 million. For that much money he needs to be more than a number 3 receiver.

Running back Pierre Thomas was also on the trade block, however no moves were made. Thomas and the Saints agreed to a two year extension on his contract.

Unlike Moore and Sproles, Thomas still possesses some value. He finished last year with over 1,000 all purpose yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns. His yards per carry average was down from previous years. If he stays with the organization, it is likely he would be used as third down back. Thomas’agent has tweeted saying “his heart is in New Orleans.”

Meanwhile, the Saints still need to get a long term deal down with tight end Jimmy Graham. Graham is due $7.04 million dollars after getting slapped with the franchise tag as a tight end. That number would be nearly doubled had the Saints tagged Graham as receiver. The decision has caused some controversy because Graham lined up as a receiver for 66% of his snaps. General Manager Mickey Loomis is confident the Saints will work out a long term deal with the tight end. Graham has the most receiving touchdowns over the last three seasons with 36.

After losing safety and unrestricted free agent Malcolm Jenkins, the Saints filled that need making a huge splash in free agency signing former Bills safety Jarius Byrd.

Byrd has 12 interceptions over the last three seasons which doubles the total of safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Roman Harper combined. Byrd and the Saints agreed to a 6-year $54 million contract, $28 million is guaranteed. Byrd is a ball-hawk that will complement Kenny Vaccaro and Rafael Bush.

Vaccaro and Bush both excel in run support and tackling where as Byrd can play that centerfield role and cover plenty of ground in the defensive backfield. This will allow defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to play Vaccaro and/or Bush in the box more often for added pressure. Last year, Ryan used a 3-safety nickel package which became a staple for the defense utilizing Jenkins, Harper and Bush. Byrd, Vaccaro and Bush could potentially make for the best young secondary behind Seattle.

Loomis and Sean Payton will continue to make aggressive moves as they have done together since 2006. Last year, they let go of one of the best left tackles in football in Jermon Bushrod to help create more cap space.

There are five guys who I can see asking for larger contracts in the near future once their rookie deals expire (excluding Jimmy Graham):

Defensive End Cameron Jordan

Defensive Tackle John Jenkins

Defensive End/Tackle Akiem Hicks

Receiver Kenny Stills

Safety Kenny Vaccaro