Hempstead, NY (Betting Express) - The New Orleans Saints acquired linebacker Jonathan Vilma from the Jets on Friday, sending an undisclosed draft pick to New York in exchange.

Vilma's 2007 season was cut short after nine games because of a knee injury that required surgery, but he totaled 39 tackles with an interception in a little over half the season. Prior to this past season, he had played in all 16 games in each of his three previous campaigns with the Jets.

"Jonathan has been a diligent, productive performer throughout his tenure with the Jets," said New York general manager Mike Tannenbaum. "I appreciate all of his contributions to the organization, both on and off the field, and am confident that he will be an asset to the Saints."

A first-round pick of out Miami in 2004, Vilma led the Jets in tackles his second year in the league, registering 116 stops in 2005. The 6-foot-1, 230- pounder will likely slide into the middle linebacker role in the Saints' 4-3 defense, as opposed to manning one of the inside spots in the Jets' 3-4 scheme.

In four pro seasons, Vilma has totaled 460 tackles, six interceptions and 2 1/2 sacks, starting all but two of the 55 games in which he has played.