Saints Will Host Free Agent Defensive End Jimmy Wilkerson Next Week

New Orleans continues to look at ways to upgrade it’s pass rush in the off-season having met with several free agent defensive lineman and most recently inking former Chicago Bear pass rush specialist Alex Brown to a two year contract.

Multiple sources now confirm the Saints will meet with former Buccaneer defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Wilkerson had what many feel was a breakout year with the Buccaneers during the 2009-2010 season, his second in Tampa, when he recorded 46 tackles, 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 15 starts. In his two seasons in Tampa he has recorded 11 total sacks.

Before joining the Buccaneers in 2008 Wilkerson spent 2003-2007 with the Kansas City Chiefs primarily in a back up role recording 94 tackles, 1 sack and 4 pass deflections.

Ironically Wilkerson tore his ACL on December 27th against the Saints and was placed on season ending injured reserve.

If signed Wilkerson could provide much needed depth at the defensive end position and if completely recovered from his ACL injury could compete for playing time alongside left defensive ends Bobby McCray and Alex Brown.

Wilkerson is also scheduled to meet with the Seattle Seahawks next Wednesday and Thursday after his meeting with the Saints according to a report from 12thmanrising.com.

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