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Newly-acquired middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma spoke with reporters and updated the health of his surgically repaired right knee on the first day of the team's offseason program last week.

Vilma, who was obtained from the New York Jets in exchange for a conditional draft pick on Feb. 29, played in just seven games last season before undergoing season-ending surgery on the knee.

The Saints are hoping that Vilma will return to the form that he showed in his first three NFL seasons as they try to improve their 26th-ranked defense.

"I plan to spend as much time as I can here in New Orleans," Vilma said of the Saints' 12-week program. "I have been rehabbing down in Miami and I have a trainer down there, so both trainers will be talking with each other and deciding what's best for me.

"I don't want to give a percentage, but I'll say I'm right where I need to be," he said. "It's been progressing very well and I haven't had any setbacks, knock on wood."