Coming off a disappointing 2009 campaign during which he tore his ACL, defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson was determined to enter free agency this off-season and find a club willing to take a short term chance, allowing him to parlay a solid season into a nice contract next year.

That goal became a reality earlier this morning with Wilkerson signing a one year contract with New Orleans. The deal is worth $2 million, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.

Wilkerson comes to the Saints from Tampa Bay, and should provide a solid level of production off the bench, rotating in to spell the starters along the Saints defensive line. If he can play well and stay healthy all season long, Wilkerson should see much more interest in his services next spring.