NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - Pro Bowl safety Darren Sharper has agreed to a one-year contract to return to the New Orleans Saints, the Super Bowl champions said in a statement on Monday.
Sharper, a ball hawking defensive back who leads all active NFL players with 63 interceptions, was a key member of the Saints Super Bowl winning team. He picked off nine passes last season to match his career high, returning three for touchdowns.
"We have said since the end of the season that we would love to have Darren back in a Saints uniform for 2010 and I'm glad we've been able to make that happen," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement.
Taken in the second round of the 1997 draft by Green Bay, Sharper spent eight seasons with the Packers followed by four with the Minnesota Vikings before signing with the Saints last season.
In 13 seasons Sharper has 1,085 tackles, 7 1/2 sacks and seven fumble recoveries.
A five time Pro Bowl selection, Sharper's 63 career interceptions place him in a tie with Ronnie Lott for sixth on the all-time list.
(Writing by Steve Keating in Toronto; editing by Rex Gowar)
