Saints Free Agency Update: Defensive End Jimmy Wilkerson Signs 1-Year Deal With New Orleans

Bolstering the defensive line has been a priority of the Saints this off-season inking former Bear DE Alex Brown to a 2-year deal to replace starter Charles Grant on the left side.

After Brown the Saints brought in DE Jimmy Wilkerson the following week for a visit, the former Buccaneer agreed to a deal with New Orleans this morning it has been announced.

Wilkerson will provide much needed depth at the defensive end position and if completely recovered from his ACL injury, which ironically he tore on December 27th against the Saints, could compete for starting time alongside left defensive ends Bobby McCray and Alex Brown.

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.

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.

The additions of Brown and Wilkerson this close to the draft indicates the Saints most likely will look at taking an outside linebacker to replace the recently departed Scott Fujita or possibly a defensive tackle which is another position the Saints are very thin at in the upcoming draft.

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