Drew Brees is excited about the Saints' hiring of new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. "That's all I hear about Gregg Williams, is how much his players will respect him and play for him. So I look forward to meeting him. "I think it's going to be fun. It's going to be competitive throughout these minicamps and training camp and everything. I think that's only going to make us better as an offense, getting a chance to go up against his defenses throughout the year, and I think it's great for our defense, obviously, to be in a new scheme and just kind of maybe present a new attitude."

Linebacker Dan Morgan told ESPN on Monday that he is planning to come out of retirement in 2009 to play for the Saints. Morgan retired last year after suffering a series of injuries and never actually appeared in a game for New Orleans. "I feel better than I have at any point since before my rookie season in the NFL," Morgan said. "I've been working out very hard, and I feel great. Last year, I was down in New Orleans and I was coming off shoulder problems, and my wife was pregnant with our third child and back in Charlotte. It just didn't feel like the right place or the right time, and I made the decision to retire. But the year off has refreshed me, and I'm very anxious to get back out there."

Darren Sharper, a 12-year veteran that is set to become a free agent, is unlikely to return to the Vikings, and the Saints could make a play for the safety. New Orleans is attempting to fortify their defense this offseason.

The Saints are reportedly closing in on an agreement to stay in New Orleans, which would take a team off the list of potential clubs that could move to Los Angeles. "We have high expectations and hopes that we can work out our negotiations with the Saints so we can go together and seek the Super Bowl," Louisiana lead negotiator Ron Forman told WWL-TV. "The meetings have been very, very positive."

Jay Glazer appeared on Fox's pregame show on Sunday and reported, according to Canal Street Chronicles, that New Orleans' head coach Sean Payton gave up $250,000 of his own salary to help the team hire defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

The Saints went on a huge shopping spree from July 2005 to June 2008 and are paying for it now because of their lack of flexibility. They spent $321 million in commitments over a 35-month span. The stockpile has inflated the Saints' payroll, thrusting it through the ceiling of the NFL's projected $123 million salary cap. The Saints were $4.6 million above the cap as of last week. They will need to get under the cap by February 27th and are unlikely to be able to sign any big name free agents this offseason.

New Orleans Saints' linebacker Jonathan Vilma was arrested Friday afternoon in Miami after a traffic stop, according to WSVN-TV in Miami. Vilma was speeding in and out of traffic and ran a red light, according to the police report. Police say Vilma became belligerent with officers and was arrested and booked on reckless driving and resisting arrest.

The New Orleans Saints agreed to terms with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams on Thursday morning. Terms of the deal were not immediately available. One of the most respected defensive minds in the game and one of the most coveted candidates on the market, Williams will take over a Saints' defense that ranked 23rd in the NFL in yards allowed and tied for 26th in points allowed last season. "A lot has gone into this decision, and we targeted Gregg as the coach we'd like to hire after our first interview because he was so impressive and prepared," Saints' Coach Sean Payton said in a statement. "As an offensive coach, I have game-planned against his defenses in the past, and I know the problems they create. He's an aggressive coach, but his units are always sound fundamentally. We have some pieces in place for him to work with, and I know he's excited to get started." "Gregg is a tremendous addition to our coaching staff," General Manager Mickey Loomis added. "We were looking for a coach with experience, a proven track record of success and a clear philosophy on where the improvements needed to be made on our defense and that process."

New Orleans' left tackle Jammal Brown has been selected to the Pro Bowl as a replacement for injured Washington tackle Chris Samuels. The appearance will be Brown's second at the Pro Bowl.

The Saints will begin their search for a new defensive coordinator with one of the most coveted candidates on the market Gregg Williams, according to a league source. Williams, a former head coach in Buffalo and defensive coordinator in Jacksonville, Washington and Tennessee, arrived in town Wednesday night and will meet with Saints Coach Sean Payton, General Manager Mickey Loomis and other team officials today. This is the only interview lined up for the Saints, who fired coordinator Gary Gibbs on Wednesday.