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The New Orleans Saints were desperate when linebacker Will Smith went down with a season ending injury, but got lucky picking up an experienced LB that they know very well. Parys Haralson, the former 49er turned Saint, brings size to a smaller defense, he also brings a wealth of experience as a former starter for the vaunted 49ers defense.

He was drafted by the 49ers in the 5th round (140th overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft. In 2007, Haralson started 11 games from 16 appearances and made 42 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He finished the 2008 season leading the 49ers with 8 sacks. Haralson also lead the entire NFC West in sacks in 2008. Haralson didn't play a down last season due to a triceps tear, and hasn't registered more than five sacks in any campaign since 2008.

However, the team hopes he can return to his old form and at still relatively young at 29 years old inspire hope for coach Sean Payton and QB Drew Brees.

"He has had a lot of experience as a starter there," Payton said, via Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com.

"He's strong at the point of attack. He's experienced in this (3-4) system and he's experienced and had success with a very good defense. Those are some things that No. 1, you see on film.”

"All his character and football IQ, all those things are outstanding.

"He is a big physical guy, as is that whole San Francisco 49ers' defense," said quarterback Drew Brees "I'm excited to get him in here and get him acclimated."

Sean Payton, Drew Brees endorse new LB Parys Haralson:

"A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."