The Saints are bringing back their top tackler from 2009, as they have re-signed linebacker Jonathan Vilma to a five-year contract. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Vilma, who came to the Saints last season from the Jets, became a free agent after his first season with the Saints. He led the Saints with 151 tackles and three forced fumbles and added a sack and an interception.

Vilma played his first four NFL seasons with the Jets before the Saints acquired him in a trade. The former University of Miami standout was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2004. A knee injury cost Vilma the last nine weeks of 2007, but he played all 16 games for the Saints last season.