The New Orleans Saints agreed to terms on a one-year deal with veteran Linebacker Parys Haralson, whom they acquried last August via a trade with the San Francisco 49ers following season-ending injuries to Will Smith and Victor Butler. The former Tennessee Volunteer appeared in all 16 games for the Saints in 2013 after missing the 2012 season with a Triceps injury.
Haralson would turn out to provide more than just depth at the position for New Orleans, going on to start 9 games, including the team's wildcard playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately for Haralson, he suffered a Pectoral injury which forced him to miss the divisional round loss at Seattle the following weekend. Parys Haralson has agreed to a new deal with the Saints.
The 6-0 225 lb 'backer recorded 35 tackles along with 3.5 sacks in his inaugural season with the Saints. He played a key role as a run-stuffing edge rusher in Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme, forming an effective bookend partnership with Junior Galette. Haralson also contributed on special teams, and while contract terms are not immediately available, the 30 year old has likely signed a team friendly deal.
Haralson has amassed 330 tackles, 25 sacks, 5 passes defensed, forced 3 fumbles and recovered 4 during his career. He fit in well with the Saints, playing to his strengths as the team was in desperate need of a run stopper and pass rush help following Butler's injury. Haralson will return for his 2nd season in New Orleans and gives the team valuable depth and experience at the position.
The Saints will hope that Haralson's postseason setback was nothing more than a blip following the 2012 season in which he did not appear in a single game for San Francisco due to his aforementioned Triceps injury. When healthy, he is a viable force against the run and can drop into coverage and defend shallow routes over the middle.
Despite splashing the cash on Jairus Byrd last month, Parys Haralson is the kind of value signing the Saints have hoped to pounce on. If he stays fit, he will once again be counted on for more than just depth in an aggressive and markedly improving defense.