Saints sign linebacker Laurinaitis and safety Sanford

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints have signed linebacker James Laurinaitis and safety Jamarca Sanford to free-agent contracts.

The Saints, who announced the moves Thursday, say Laurinaitis has signed for three years and Sanford for one year.

The 29-year-old Laurinaitis, who starred at Ohio State, has played for the St. Louis Rams throughout his seven NFL seasons. The Rams, who'll play in Los Angeles in 2016, released Laurinaitis as he headed into the final year of a five-year contract signed in 2012. Laurinaitis was credited with 109 solo and assisted tackles combined to go with one sack and an interception last season.

The 30-year-old Sanford, a former Mississippi standout who is also a seven-year veteran, joined New Orleans during the 2014 season. Last season, he was in on 29 tackles and made an interception.