Jabari

Greer

Adding that sum to the $5.4 million remaining on Greer’s old deal, and he essentially has a four-year, $21 million contract after signing for $22 million over four years in 2009. It looks like a very strong deal on the Saints’ side, though no particulars are known beyond “new money” and maximum values. Regardless, initial reports of a three-year, $23 million extension were way off and agent inflated. The extension portion is worth under $16M.

Greer, 30, had one year and $5.4 million left on his old contract, so the extension takes him through the 2015 season. Though not much of a ballhawk -- he’s never secured more than two interceptions in a season -- Greer has been a fairly steady cover man and plays the run better than you might expect for a 5-foot-11, 180-pound corner. Greer signed a four-year, $22 million deal with the Saints in 2009. He essentially now has a new four-year, $28.4 million contract.

Interim coach Joe Vitt maintains Greer will “definitely” be ready for the regular season, suggesting the cornerback heals more quickly than other players. Vitt’s timetable is on the optimistic side; Greer isn’t expected to resume football activities until the week of the fourth preseason game. This is also his second sports hernia procedure since December of 2009. Even with Patrick Robinson sterling camp start, the Saints are thin at the position this year.

“I’m feeling good, I’m ready to get back,” Greer said Monday. "...I’m starting to get some movement back and I feel real good.” The New Orleans Times-Picayune doesn’t expect Greer to suit up in the preseason, but believes he’ll be 100 percent for Week 1. Greer started all 16 games for the Saints in 2011, making 71 tackles and one interception.

Greer’s absence was a bit of a surprise because he practiced all week, albeit in a limited manner. If the Saints felt they could give Greer a week of rest and still take down the Redskins, they were mistaken. Greer’s status for Week 2 against the Panthers is uncertain. The Saints need their top corner back.

It sounds like Greer will be ready to roll following the Saints’ Week 6 bye. Greer is having a poor season, but it would be bad news for the Saints’ embattled defense were he to miss any more time.

Greer left the game early in the first half, and was formally ruled out in the third quarter. It’s most unwelcome news after Greer missed Week 1 with a groin ailment. New Orleans’ secondary was struggling both before and after Greer’s departure. Corey White has taken Greer’s spot in the base defense, with Johnny Patrick seeing snaps in the slot.

Greer is unlikely to get cleared in time for Sunday’s meaningless finale against the Panthers. Rebounding from offseason sports hernia surgery, he’ll finish with 51 tackles and three interceptions in 14 games. Greer will return as the Saints’ starting left corner in 2013.

Greer sustained the concussion in last week’s win over the Cowboys and was not able to practice all week. Johnny Patrick filled in for Greer last week and will likely get the start in Sunday’s finale with the Panthers.

The Saints are dealing with multiple injuries in their secondary, with Patrick Robinson (foot) and SS Roman Harper (knee) also listed as questionable. Greer practiced on a limited basis this week and should be available Sunday. Martez Wilson (probable, elbow) was held out of the season opener, but is set to resume his starting role over OLB Parys Haralson.