ESPN’s John Clayton reports the Saints have agreed to terms with defense end Jimmy Wilkerson. The free agent is will sign a one year deal. The former Buccaneer defensive end Wilkerson deal is a, $2 million contract with the New Orleans Saints.
Two years ago he signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started one of 16 games played in 2008, recording 23 tackles, 5.0 sacks and a forced fumble.
Wilkerson moved into the starting lineup in 2009, starting all 15 games in which he played for the Buccaneers that season. He suffered a torn ACL against the New Orleans Saints on December 27 and was placed on season-ending injured reserve the following day. Wilkerson finished the 2009 season with career highs in tackles (46), sacks (6.0) and forced fumbles (two).
Wilkerson now joins Alex Brown as one of only two big signings by the Saints so far this off-season and adds even more versatility and depth to the defensive line.
Of course this opens things up for debate regarding what position the Saints will draft with their first round pick. It's looking more and more like outside linebacker is becoming their biggest position of need.
And there are three linebackers in mind.
OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
Weatherspoon, is a natural leader with a great intelligence for football. His intangibles’ will make him a quality starter in the NFL. He does at times get stiff in pass coverage with good coaching this can be corrected. Weatherspoon, best quality tacklers in the draft he rack up 386 total tackles in his college career.
OLB/DE Jerry Hughes, Texas Christian
Hughes is productive player with good burst of speed off the edge and is a relentless pass rusher. If brought in he may not fit well with the 4-3 Saints defensive scheme. If He the Saints choice in round one defensive minded Greg Williams will make sure Hughes will be able to handle anything in front of him.
OLB Daryl Washington, Texas Christian
Washington is long, athletic and outstanding in pass coverage. He has the ability to cover tight-ends well up the seam that will prepare for NFL type of cover two type defense. The knock on Washington he's a little light, but it's believed that with a proper diet he can pack on some pounds quickly. He's listed as 6-foot-1, 3/4. He played inside linebacker in the Horned Frogs' 4-2-5 alignment.
Depending on what the Saints are looking for. Matching not only the talent the team requires but an added incentive of great character that comes when adding a prospect to a team of Champions like the New Orleans Saints.
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