METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints have had some preliminary discussions about re-signing free agent linebacker Parys Haralson, according to a league source. It sounds similar to the initial talks they've had recently with fellow veteran free agents such as right tackle Zach Strief and receiver Robert Meachem.

Although nothing is set in stone, it's still worth noting that the Saints have shown some interest in bringing Haralson back. I could definitely see him coming back as long as the price is right.

Haralson, 30, had a solid debut season with the Saints last year after they traded for him late in the preseason. He had 30 tackles and 3.5 sacks in a rotational role -- used primarily as a run defender. The 6-foot, 255-pounder played in every game in the regular season, starting eight of them, and he played 37 percent of New Orleans' defensive snaps.

Haralson went down with a season-ending torn pectoral muscle in the playoff opener at Philadelphia. But he is expected to be healed in time for the start of spring conditioning programs.

The Saints will have at least one more option available at outside linebacker this year, with veteran Victor Butler returning to the lineup after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. Butler is known as a pass-rushing specialist, though, so there could definitely be room for both players in a rotation across from fellow outside linebacker Junior Galette.