Defensive tackle Hollis Thomas has agreed to a four-year, $12 million contract with the Saints. Saints officials confirmed Tuesday that Thomas had agreed to terms but didn't comment on the details. Thomas' agent, Ron Slavin, said Thomas is scheduled to sign the deal at noon on Wednesday. He confirmed the terms of the contract and added that Thomas will be paid $6 million in the first year. Thomas, who came to New Orleans last season after spending his first decade in the league with the Eagles, said he was pleased to stay in New Orleans.

The Saints designated defensive end Charles Grant as their franchise player Thursday, preventing the five-year veteran from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Grant and his agent have said in recent days that they opposed such a move but expected it to happen. Grant had been seeking a multiyear contract extension or permission to test the free-agent market.

KNBR radio in San Francisco has reported that Saints' RB Reggie Bush rolled his ankle playing in a celebrity basketball game in Las Vegas on Friday. The ankle sprain does not appear serious.

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees dislocated his left elbow in the first quarter of the Pro Bowl. Brees, who throws right-handed, didn't break any bones. Brees made the All-Pro team while leading the resurgent Saints to the NFC championship game, but was injured while throwing a fourth-down incompletion on the NFC's second drive at the NFL all-star game. The NFC starter went 2-of-7 for 23 yards in the scoreless first quarter.

Southern California is looking into whether it may have violated NCAA recruiting rules while pursuing highly rated recruit Joe McKnight, a university official said. McKnight signed a national letter of intent with USC on Wednesday and made comments during a news conference that seemed to suggest communications involving former Trojan Reggie Bush, who is now with the New Orleans Saints. Former players are forbidden from telephoning prospective recruits, their relatives or guardians. "We're aware of it, and we are looking into it," sports information director Tim Tessalone told The Associated Press late Thursday.

Mike Tomlin will make his coaching debut in the Hall of Fame Game. The NFL announced Saturday that the Pittsburgh Steelers will meet the New Orleans Saints in the preseason contest at Canton, Ohio on August 5. The game will be televised by the NFL Network.