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The New Orleans Saints Saints finally kicked off 2017 Free Agency by landing a much needed linebacker. The Saints just landed A.J. Klein, per ESPN’s Adam Caplan. The terms are still undisclosed at this time.
#Saints are expected to sign LB A.J. Klein later today barring a snag in negotiations, source said.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 9, 2017
Klein is entering his 5th year in the NFL and up to his point has been more of a rotational guy in Carolina behind Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly. Even with playing behind those two studs, Klein still found a way to have good seasons while in Carolina. Klein has recorded 146 tackles, 4 sacks and 1 interception during his career with the Panthers.
Klein fills a major need for the Saints at inside linebacker. After a down year for Stephone Anthony, nobody knows what kind of production the Saints will get from him next year. Craig Robertson was a great surprise last year, but nobody can tell for certain if that is going to be steady production or a one year wonder.
Klein could come in and compete for the starting job right away in New Orleans. If nothing else, he will provide great depth and offer much needed production at a position that has lacked just that badly over the past couple years.