<
>

Saints re-sign DE Darryl Tapp

METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints have made it a priority to upgrade their pass rush this offseason. But that doesn't mean replacing everyone from last year's rotating group of edge rushers.

The Saints re-signed veteran Darryl Tapp to a one-year deal Thursday. He joined them last year and finished with 0.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits and a fumble recovery in 16 games played, with two starts.

Tapp, 32, should figure into the mix at the weakside end position, along with newly signed Alex Okafor and third-year pro Hau'oli Kikaha, who is returning from an ACL injury. Tapp can also back up strongside end Cameron Jordan. And the Saints will likely keep adding to the mix in the draft.

The Saints have not yet re-signed Paul Kruger, their primary starter at that weakside end position from last year. Former backup Kasim Edebali signed with the Denver Broncos.

Tapp (6-foot-1, 270 pounds) has 28 career sacks and 11 forced fumbles in 11 years spent with the Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions and Saints.