The New Orleans Saints need serious help at outside linebacker. They added a new name to the mix Monday.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that the Saints have acquired linebacker Parys Haralson in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reported that the compensation to the 49ers (if Haralson makes the Saints' roster) is a seventh-round draft pick. The 49ersofficially announced the trade Tuesday.
Haralson, 29, fell down 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh's depth chart after missing all the entire 2012 season with a triceps tear. He was a regular in San Francisco's base defense in 2011 and had been one of the team's longest-tenured players.
Haralson had a career-high eight sacks in 2008, but totaled just 11 in the three seasons that followed. He was not going to get reps ahead of 49ers linebackers Cam Johnson and Corey Lemonier, making him an obvious cut candidate.
"He was a good mentor, taught me a lot and best of luck to him in New Orleans," Aldon Smith said, according to the Bay Area News Group.
Now Haralson enters a situation where he could be in line for significant playing time. It says everything about the Saints' plight.
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