New Orleans was forced into playing a waiting game with LB Jonathan Vilma, as they would have been required to forfeit their second round pick to the Jets if they signed him before the free agency period began early this morning.

In many cases, this approach would have backfired and the team involved would have been left with nothing.

Instead, they got exactly what they were looking for, when Vilma rewarded their patience this evening by agreeing to a five-year, $34 million contract.

Vilma will be the centerpiece of a revamped Saints defense under the direction of former Bills head coach Gregg Williams, and should pay off his contract fairly quick with his speed and natural instincts at the MLB spot.