Saints sign DT Tyrunn Walker

In the wake of an Achilles injury to starting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, the New Orleans Saints signed tackle Tyrunn Walker on Tuesday. Walker, a six year veteran, played 16 games last season with the Los Angeles Rams, the Saints opponent in the NFC Championship game this Sunday.

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The 28-yr. old Walker began his career with the Saints in 2012 as an undrafted free agent from Tulsa. He was inactive for all 16 games that season, but appeared in seven games during the 2013 season, totaling 9 tackles and a quarterback sack. Walker appeared in all 16 games during the 2014 season, starting one, and had 2.5 sacks to go along with 19 tackles.

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He joined the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2015, where he had 3.5 sacks, 28 tackles, and a forced fumble during 19 games in two seasons with the Lions. Walker signed with the Rams prior to last season, where he appeared in all sixteen games with four starts. He had 22 tackles on the year, with 1 sack, 1 fumble forced, and 1 fumble recovered. He joined the Buffalo Bills this offseason, but was released just prior to the start of the regular season. The 6'3, 310-lb. Walker adds defensive line experience, giving the Saints interior depth to go along with fellow tackles Tyeler Davison, David Onyemata, and rookie Taylor Stallworth.