METAIRIE, La. (AP) - NFL veteran linebacker Manti Te’o has agreed to sign a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been announced.
New Orleans also is bringing back free-agent cornerback Sterling Moore. Moore’s agent, Andy Simms, said Moore has agreed to a one-year deal.
Te’o, a former Notre Dame star, has played 38 games during four NFL seasons, all with San Diego, where he’s made 221 solo or assisted tackles, including 1½ sacks. He has two interceptions.
Last season, an Achilles injury limited the 6-foot-1, 241-pound Te’o to three games.
In New Orleans, Te’o will work with linebackers coach Mike Nolan, who held the same post with the Chargers two seasons ago. Te’o had his most productive NFL season in 2015, making 83 total tackles in 12 games.
It remains to be seen how the Saints will use the 26-year-old Te’o. Incumbent starting middle linebacker Craig Robertson remains on the roster and New Orleans also added middle linebacker A.J. Klein when free agency began.
Klein, who was Luke Kuechly’s primary backup in Carolina, is expected to compete for a starting job.
Dannell Ellerbe, Stephone Anthony, Hau’oli Kikaha and Nate Stupar also are among the linebackers who remain on New Orleans’ roster.
Moore started 12 games for New Orleans last season. He intercepted two passes and was credited with 13 pass breakups.
The role Moore plays next season could hinge on the health of 2016 opening day starter P.J. Williams, who missed most of last season because of a severe concussion, or whether the Saints are able to acquire another top tier cornerback such as New England’s Malcolm Butler, a restricted free agent who visited New Orleans last week.
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