Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis is set to sign a new contract with the New Orleans Saints. This is according to NFL Network’s Rand Getlin, who first reported on the story. Laurinaitis spent the first seven years of his career with the Rams in St. Louis.
I'm told LB James Laurinaitis has agreed to terms with the #Saints.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) March 17, 2016
James Laurinaitis Agrees To Terms with Saints
James Laurinaitis inexplicably declined over the last few years of his career in St. Louis. The talent around him on the Rams defense got better and he entered into what were supposed to be his prime years, but the level of his play declined nevertheless. In his final season with the Rams, he struggled to shed blockers and when he did make tackles, they were five yards down the field instead of at the line of scrimmage. Last year, he recorded 60 tackles (career low), one sack, and one interception. During the first four seasons of his career, he averaged over 106 tackles per year. During the last three years, he averaged only 75 tackles per year. The Rams noted this decline and decided to move on from the 29-year-old middle linebacker.
Laurinaitis’ strongest attributes are his durability and leadership. He has started every game throughout his seven-year career and his leadership abilities are difficult to quantify. His new team knows that he will be on the field and that he will lead with character. He never quits on a play and he never quits on his team. Players with his attitude are needed in every locker room, so even if he is not as talented as he used to be, his impact on the team will be significant.
The Wayzata, Minnesota native attended Wayzata High School, starring in football and hockey. After leading his team to a state championship, Laurinaitis committed to play football at Ohio State University. He played four collegiate seasons (starting during three), and compiled well over 100 tackles in each of his final three years. He won a slew of awards in college, including the Bronko Nagurski Award, the Dick Butkus Award, the Ronnie Lott Trophy, and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award (twice). Additionally, he was a consensus All-American in each of the three seasons he started for the Buckeyes. After a wildly successful collegiate career, he was drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
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