After losing All-Pro guard Carl Nicks to the Tampa Bay Bucs, the Saints filled his spot by signing the best available free agent -- former Baltimore Raven Ben Grubbs, a Pro Bowler in 2011.
Grubbs, 6-3, 310 pounds, is smaller than Nicks (6-5, 343) but may be more versatile. He has started all but nine games in his six-year NFL career, playing as a backup three times as a rookie and sitting out six with a turf toe last year.
Question: How has the transition to New Orleans been so far?
Ben Grubbs: So far it’s been a good transition. We have a lot of great guys on the O-line. They’ve welcomed me in with open arms. I have a lot of questions right now, and they are doing a pretty good job answering them. It’s a lot of good athletes and a good unit as a whole. I couldn’t be happier right now.
Q: What’s been the toughest adjustment?
BG: Probably just learning the different system and technique. Right now I’m thinking because I have to. The terminology is totally different. Similar plays, different terminology. The technique is pretty different, too, but at the end of the day you gotta make your block no matter what technique you’re using.
Q: You are coming into an offense that set a slew of NFL single-season records last year. Does that put more or less pressure on you?
BG: I’m a competitor, and I want to win every block. It’s a great team and a great quarterback with great running backs. They make your job easier, I’ll tell you that.
Q: How much did getting to play with Drew Brees and a winning team factor into your decision to come to New Orleans?
BG: It was definitely a huge factor. We won in Baltimore. I definitely didn’t want to go anywhere where I would put that at risk. When I made my list for free agency, the New Orleans Saints were up there. I’m blessed that I’m here.
Follow Saints reporter Guerry Smith on twitter @CBSSportsNFLNO
