On July 16, 2000, he signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. He began the first 5 games of the season as a backup linebacker. In the sixth game against the Carolina Panthers, although he lacked the ideal size, he became the team's starting middle linebacker at 235 pounds. He used his athletic ability to rank second on the team with 113 tackles, while also adding 2 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 21 passes defensed (led the team), 2 sacks and 3 special teams tackles. He became a key contributor for the Saints' defense and the team's run to the NFC Western Division title. He had 12 tackles and 2 passes defensed against the Arizona Cardinals. He made 14 tackles against the San Francisco 49ers. He had 13 tackles and 2 passes defensed against the Oakland Raiders.