Lofton moves to New Orleans: Former Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton has agreed to a five-year contract with the Saints. The move seems peculiar at first because the Saints already have a middle linebacker in Jonathan Vilma, but general manager Mickey Loomis touted Lofton's versatility and might move him outside. Vilma might also get disciplined by the NFL for his role in the Saints' bounty-hunting program. "Curtis is a versatile, hard-working player that has displayed a knack for being around the football, and more importantly, making plays on the ball," Loomis said in a release. "He has the ability to play all three linebacker positions and we feel that he's just entering the prime of his career. We think he can come to New Orleans and fit in well and provide us with a significant contribution to our defense." (Updated 03/26/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/26/12).
Fantasy Analysis
In four seasons, Lofton has been credited with 577 tackles (170 total last season), four sacks, three interceptions, seven forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 15 passes defended. He's among one of the best tackling linebackers in the NFL, a stat that will decline if he moves to the outside. We'll see what kind of punishment Vilma receives; if he's suspended for the year, Lofton will warrant early-round consideration as a No. 1 Fantasy linebacker, which he was in 2011. (Updated 03/26/2012).
Curtis Lofton signed with the Saints this offseason, and he should continue to play well. Playing in a contract year, Lofton posted a career-best 147 total tackles with a career-high seven passes defensed and two interceptions, including one for a touchdown. He also forced a fumble and notched one sack. With three consecutive 100-plus tackle seasons, we think he's a safe low-end No. 1 Fantasy linebacker worth a mid-round pick. (Updated 4/25/12)
