Metairie, LA (Sports Network) - The Saints have signed New Orleans native Keenan Lewis to a blockbuster five-year contract.
The deal is reportedly worth $26 million with over $10 million in guarantees, according to multiple media sources.
The cornerback arrived in the NFL as a third round pick out of Oregon State in the 2009 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent the last four seasons in Western Pennsylvania, moving into the starting lineup for the first time in 2012.
"I'm very excited to be able to come back to my hometown," Lewis said. "Having grown up here I understand the passion that the fans have for the Saints and I'm blessed to be able to have the chance to play in front of them here in the future. I had a great visit with the Saints and am thankful for the time I spent with the Pittsburgh Steelers and wish them continued success."
Lewis started all 16 contests for the Steelers at left cornerback last season and posted 78 tackles, an NFL-leading 28 passes defensed and one forced fumble for the NFL's top-ranked defense both overall and against the pass.
"We are excited to be able to add a player of Keenan's ability to our defense," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. "He was a top free agent target for us and I know that he is very excited to be able to come home to play football."
Over the course of his four-year professional career, Lewis has played in 45 games, tallying 112 tackles, one interception return for nine yards, 34 passes defensed and one forced fumble. On special teams he added 13 tackles and one forced fumble.
