Saints Sign Linebacker Curtis Lofton

The New Orleans Saints continue to step up their game in the free agency department, signing former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton to a 5-year deal. The official Saints Twitter account made it official:

The Saints have agreed to a 5-year deal with LB Curtis Lofton

Hell and Yes. This is a huge signing. I can't stress that enough. The Saints have added three defensive free agents just this week alone, but Lofton is the best. Basically, the Saints just took the Jonathan Vilma of the Atlanta Falcons. Stealing a solid player from your long time division rival? High five!

The 26-year old Lofton is coming off a career season with 147 total tackles, one sack and two interceptions. Mickey Loomis commented on the big signing:

"Curtis is a versatile, hard-working player that has displayed a knack for being around the football, and more importantly, making plays on the ball," Loomis said. "He has the ability to play all three linebacker positions and we feel that he's just entering the prime of his career. We think he can come to New Orleans and fit in well and provide us with a significant contribution to our defense."

And don't worry about the future of Jonathan Vilma, the Saints still love the guy. Mickey again:

"(Vilma) is still a big part of our team. A top player and leader for us,"

Truth is, it might not matter how the Saints feel about Vilma or how well he can still perform. The team may very well know something we don't, like the fact that Vilma will be handed a reasonably long suspension courtesy of Bountygate.

But it begs the question: where the hell are the Saints getting this freaking money from!?!?! No doubt it means we can, and probably should, expect some cuts to be made for financial reasons. Or some serious suspensions.