NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints have re-signed linebacker Jonathan Vilma to a five-year contract, bringing back the team's leading tackler from last season.

The team didn't disclose the financial terms Friday.

Vilma became a free agent after his first season in New Orleans. 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 New York 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.