The Saints have signed 33-year old free safety Darren Sharper.  Sharper played in all 16 games for the Vikings last season and he made 69 tackles, defensed 5 passes and intercepted a pass.  He has now played in 183 games in his NFL career and he has made 856 tackles, defensed 118 passes, has 7 sacks, has forced 9 fumbles and he has intercepted 54 passes (8 of which he has returned for TDs).  This was a outstanding move for the Saints who need a playmaker at the back end of the defense.

The Saints have signed 32-year old TE Darnell Dinkins.  Dinkins played in 14 games for the Browns last season and he caught 5 passes for 41 yards (8.2 avg) with 1 TD grab.  Dinkins will probably back up for the Saints at TE in 2009 but his biggest role will be to help out on special team.  Dinkins has played in 76 games in his NFL career and he has caught 25 passes for 228 yards (9.1 avg) with 3 TD grabs.  He also had returned 15 kickoffs for 160 yards (10.7 avg) and he has made 35 tackles in his career.  This was a solid signing for the Saints as Dinkins is a “team” player.

The Saints have signed 27-year old center Nick Leckey.  Leckey played in 10 games (all starts) with the Rams last season.  The 6′3″, 302 pound Leckey has now played in 57 games (32 starts) in his 5-year NFL career.  Leckey will give the Saints’ O-Line depth at both center and guard in 2009.

The Saints have signed 33-year old DE Paul Spicer to a 1-year deal.  Spicer played in all 16 games for the Jaguars last season and he made 34 tackles, defensed 2 passes, had 3.5 sacks and he forced a fumble.  Spicer has now played in 115 games in his NFL career and he has made 257 tackles, defensed 16 passes, has 28.5 sacks, forced 7 fumbles and he has 1 interception.  This was a good signing for the Saints who need a lot of help on defense.

The Saints have signed 30-year old fullback Heath Evans.  Evans played in all 16 games for the Patriots last season and he carried the ball 11 times for 23 yards (2.1 ypc).  He also caught 3 passes for 59 yards (19.7 avg) last season.  Evans will replace Mike Karney as the starting fullback for the Saints in 2009.  Evans has now played in 121 games in his NFL career and he has carried the ball 157 times for 561 yards (3.6 ypc) with 3 TD runs.  He also has caught 40 passes for 328 yards (8.2 avg) with 1 TD grab.  This should help upgrade the offense a little bit in 2009.