The Saints linebacking corps is going to look very different next season.
They signed Curtis Lofton earlier this month and now comes word that they have signed former Seahawks linebacker David Hawthorne as well. The team announced that it is a five-year deal via Twitter on Tuesday afternoon. No financial details have been announced.
Hawthorne has started 41 games for the Seahawks over the last three years and finished with more than 100 tackles in all three seasons. He got his first shot in the starting lineup after an injury to Lofa Tatupu in 2009 and did good work inside for the Seahawks, including a career-high three interceptions last season. He first joined the team as an undrafted free agent out of TCU in 2008.
Where he fits with the Saints remains to be seen. Lofton projects to be their starting middle linebacker, but there are certainly openings at the other spots with Jo-Lonn Dunbar signing in St. Louis and no one else really distinguishing themselves last season.
Hawthorne’s arrival makes it seem like the Saints are preparing for life without Jonathan Vilma. Whether that’s because he’s suspended as a result of the bounty investigation or not, Vilma’s days in New Orleans seem numbered.