NEW ORLEANS (June 10, 2005) -- The New Orleans Saints returned to full strength at cornerback when Fakhir Brown ended his holdout and reported for the first day of a two-day mandatory minicamp.
Brown, who started the final 10 games last season, unexpectedly skipped 13 voluntary coaching sessions because he wants a new contract to replace the final year on his existing deal.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said the team would not consider negotiating with Brown as long as he was absent.
"I planned on being here all along," Brown said. "This is mandatory. This is where I want to be. Hopefully, something gets done. I don't regret anything I did. I want a new deal. But I've got to take care of business. I know the starting job isn't mine anymore. I know they had to move on. I understand that. Hopefully, I can earn it back."
Brown's absence created more opportunities for Jason Craft and Fred Thomas, who lost his job to Mike McKenzie last season.
