NEW ORLEANS - Linebacker Scott Fujita is being reunited
with Gary Gibbs.
The New Orleans Saints on Monday agreed to terms with Fujita on
a four-year contract.
Fujita spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys, where Gibbs
was his position coach. Gibbs is now New Orleans' defensive
coordinator. New Saints coach Sean Payton was the Cowboys'
offensive coordinator.
"Obviously, Gary and I are familiar with Scott from our time in
Dallas," Payton said. "Scott defines the type of person we are
looking for, a dedicated veteran who has been a starter and
knows what it takes to succeed. Scott understands the system
that Gary is putting in place and we are extremely pleased to
have him on the roster as we move forward."
Playing in all 16 games last season and starting the final
eight, Fujita registered 53 tackles with two sacks and a forced
fumble. Fujita had spent his first three NFL seasons with the
Kansas City Chiefs, leading them in tackles in 2003 and 2004.
Fujita has 322 tackles, 11 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles, a
fumble recovery and an interception in his career.
"I felt comfortable in New Orleans from the start," Fujita said.
"It was an exciting opportunity and from working with Gary
last year he knows what I'm capable of and how to make the most
of my ability. But more than anything, I wanted to get in on
the ground floor with a club that is committed to doing things
the right way."