The Saints have reportedly locked up one of their free agents before he hit the open market. According to Larry Holder of nola.com, New Orleans has agreed to a one-year deal with linebacker Keyunta Dawson.

Dawson signed with the Saints last October after being being waived by the Tennessee Titans in week 4 of the season. Dawson, who is a Shreveport native and prepped at Evangel Christian, made an impact in limited time on the field last year.

With injuries piling up at the linebacker position, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan called on Dawson for situational game plans. He finished the season 3 tackles, a half a sack, and a forced fumble against the Atlanta Falcons (pictured above). His forced fumble occurred in the red zone, giving the Saints the ball back in what was a closely contested 17-13 New Orleans victory.

He's a 28 year old, six-year veteran, who possesses above average speed. At 6'3, 254 pounds, look for Ryan to use him more in 2014.

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