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So many factors come into play with the New Orleans Saints' acquisition of linebacker James Laurinaitis.

The Saints hope Laurinaitis can become the type of field captain Jonathan Vilma was during the team's most successful seasons, including the Super 44-winning squad.

Laurinaitis hopes New Orleans can be his saving grace after being cut from the Los Angeles Rams. Vilma, after all, found new life with the Saints after the Jets traded him to New Orleans. He became arguably the best middle linebacker to wear a Saints uniform (Vilma vs. Sam Mills is a debate for another time).

Then there's the sensitive issue of Laurinaitis replacing a guy who's still on the team. He's stepped into the middle linebacker position previously occupied by Stephone Anthony, who served in that role as a rookie last season. Laurinaitis said he was aware of the delicate situation when he came on board earlier this offseason. Anthony has done his part by handling the move in a professional manner, saying he was open to whatever the team asked of him and accepting the moved to strong side where he'll flank his new teammate.



Laurinaitis, who has never missed a game in his previous seven seasons, is known for his leadership and grit. He will hold a significant level of responsibility of guiding a previously downtrodden defense to become a more respectable unit in 2016.

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Danno

The man played with 1 arm last year and still looked better than most of our LB's did.

I think he most certainly can have the Vilma Effect for our team.

ChrisXVI

jeanpierre

Hoping is more that just a MIKE, but a MANIMAL!

Danno

He's a leader and role model for the young talent we have. We now have a true QB for the defense.

I think this may be a better acquisition than anyone realizes.

ChrisXVI

I admit I was skeptical and didn't really want to sign him, but hearing about the chess match going on between him and Brees in OTA's so far is thrilling to hear! It sounds like Brees is impressed by what he's seen so far.

44Champs

Sounds like REAL locker room leadership! Not like that #39 chump we finally dumped.

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hagan714

lets see vilma drafted 12th in 2004
came to the saints in 2008

Laurinaitis was drafted in 2009
came to the saints in 2016.

bit of a stretch but here is hoping for the best from a change in scenery.

K Major

I think Sean P said enough is enough with all of the garbage LB play over the last 4, 5 years. We need play makers on Sundays.

Let's wait and see what JL brings to the table.

SmashMouth

James Laurinaitis: With the Rams we couldn’t break .500, with the Saints that’s not acceptable | ProFootballTalk