Josh Bullocks and Kevin Kaesviharn didn't exactly distinguish themselves as the starters the last two seasons, which is why neither are Saints.

Because the free safety plays such an important role in the scheme run by new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, the Saints went out and signed two wily veterans in Darren Sharper and Pierson Prioleau.

The length of their contracts, however, would suggest the Saints are still on the lookout for more help at that position.

Sharper and Prioleau signed one-year deals. Sharper, one of the NFL's top interceptors in his 12 years in the league, was given a $1 million base salary with a $500,000 signing bonus and two $250,000 roster bonuses thrown in, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported. Prioleau landed a $745,000 contract with a $50,000 workout bonus.

Sharper will likely be penciled in as the starter when the Saints begin their organized team activities in May, but he might have some competition at the position before the team goes to training camp.

If the Saints don't get a quality free safety in the draft, which is a possibility since no safety is rated as a first-round pick and they currently have no picks in the second and third rounds, they could move third-year cornerback Usama Young to the back end of the secondary.

Even if the offseason moves are just a stop-gap measure, the fit seems to be a good one. Williams said he's always admired Sharper's play from afar and Sharper is eager to play for him because "(Williams) is going to let playmakers be playmakers," Sharper said.