MIKE TRIPLETT: This has been the most popular topic three weeks running in these chats. … I don’t know if I’d say the Shockey rumor is gaining momentum, but it’s certainly not going away. Giants GM Jerry Reese addressed the Shockey trade rumors with the New York media last week, when, as is annual tradition, the volatile tight end wasn’t around for the start of the offseason conditioning program. Reese insisted that the team plans to keep the volatile tight end. But you can never take those statements at face value.

                      I know the Saints inquired about Shockey’s availability early in the offseason, probably to find out if the Giants were looking to unload him at a discounted price. And I think it’s clear the Giants aren’t offering a discount.

I think it will cost at least a second-round draft choice, maybe more. And I don’t think we’ll find out until draft day. If the Giants like a player who’s on the board at No. 40, they might be willing to deal. If the Saints like a player who’s on the board, they might not.

By the way, I’m curious how many Saints fans actually want to throw Shockey into the mix. He’s definitely a risk-reward proposition. … Sounds like a poll question to me.

Payton has two years left on his deal, and I definitely expect them to re-up at some point. Probably next year, but maybe as soon as this summer. … Of course that could all change if the Saints flop this season, but he’s been an outstanding fit in New Orleans, and I actually think the Saints will be very good this year.

MIKE TRIPLETT: I think that’s a definite possibility – IF the Saints covet Sedrick Ellis as much as the Saints’ fans seem to. That’s the one thing we never know about the Saints around draft time, is how they have these players ranked. Maybe they like linebacker Keith Rivers or cornerback Leodis McKelvin better than Ellis. … But if Ellis has the top grade on their board, I think they’ve proved in the past that they’re not afraid to be very aggressive on draft day, whether that means trading up or down.

By the way, I think Glenn Dorsey would be a dream come true in the Saints defense, but I just can’t see him slipping past the top five under any circumstances.

MIKE TRIPLETT: Actually, yes, Andrew. They played four straight road games over a five-week span in 2003 … and they won three out of four (win at Tampa Bay, win at Atlanta, loss at Philadelphia, win at Washington).

And don’t forget the 2005 season, when they played every game away from home. … Of course, that didn’t turn out so well. CORRECTION: The Saints actually played just three road games during that four-game stretch. The Atlanta game was at home. ... The game was incorrectly listed as a road game in the Saints' media guide. games

MIKE TRIPLETT: I don’t think that’s absurd. If Meachem outperforms Devery in training camp, you’ve got Colston, Patten and Meachem as your top three receivers. Then you’ve got Lance Moore and Terrance Copper, who are valuable special teams contributors. … I really think Devery needs to step up and win one of those top three receiving jobs to stay on the roster ... which he certainly might do. I think his battle with Meachem in training camp will be one of the most compelling in training camp.

Meachem’s roster spot is probably safe, regardless. But it was rare when the Saints kept six receivers last year. Those final two receivers really need to be big-time special teams contributors.

MIKE TRIPLETT: At least one of the most watchable teams. If nothing else, the Saints have an exciting offense that can put a lot of points on the board. And they have marketable stars like Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister and Marques Colston. … I definitely think it wasn’t a coincidence that the league sent two high-powered offenses to London (the Saints and San Diego) to help market the sport after an offensive dud between the Giants and Dolphins last year.

MIKE TRIPLETT: The way I understand it, Ross, the league offered the Saints the opportunity, and the team enthusiastically accepted. … It doesn’t help from a competitive standpoint, but team executives and local business leaders are very excited about the opportunity to market both the team and the city throughout the months and weeks leading up to the game.

It really should be good for the city. … Hopefully it won’t come at the expense of the team. That will be a very, very important week for the Saints’ psyche. If they win, that’s a big win against a tough opponent. If they lose, they’ll have a long flight home and a long two weeks with the bye to sulk over how unfair it was.

MIKE TRIPLETT: I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Saints are in love with Rodgers-Cromartie. In recent years, they have really gotten excited about these high-upside, diamond-in-the-rough types. … But I’m not so sure that’s the smart move with the No. 10 pick in the draft, with a team that is not in rebuilding mode. Rodgers-Cromartie has outstanding natural tools, but scouting reports say he got burned a lot at Tennessee State, and he wasn’t exactly playing against the top level of competition.

I personally think the Saints should find a guy who will make an instant impact in this year’s draft. I think they can compete for the NFC Championship this year, especially if they add another difference-maker on defense. … Maybe Rodgers-Cromartie is that guy. But you’re rolling the dice a little more with him than with Troy CB Leodis McKelvin or USC LB Keith Rivers, I think.

MIKE TRIPLETT: You’re right about Drew Brees. He’s the main reason why I think the Saints should be in win-now mode. As long as they’ve got a healthy Brees running the offense, they’re Super Bowl contenders.

As for Alleman and Bushrod, I think the Saints are happy with both of them. I think Bushrod, especially, is an exciting prospect. He’s a big, athletic guy who looked really good at times in training camp last year and should make a nice leap in Year 2 of his development.

The Saints like all four of their offensive tackles – Jammal Brown, Jon Stinchcomb, Zach Strief and Bushrod. So I don’t think they’ll be tempted by any of these top-tier tackles in the first couple rounds of the draft.

MIKE TRIPLETT: Well, I’m definitely pulling for Deuce. And I think the Saints are, too. … He means a lot to the organization, the community and most importantly, the offense. They just need Deuce to be able to give them about 15 carries a game, splitting time with Reggie Bush and being spelled by worthy backups Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas. I think that’s very possible.

Deuce has been through this rehab process before, and he came back very strong. ACLs aren’t nearly as threatening as they were in the past. That microfracture surgey on his right league is a little more concerning, but he should have plenty of time to recover – depending on those dreaded training-camp setbacks.

I have a feeling we’ll be writing about 50 stories on Deuce in July and August. He’s one of the all-time favorites here.