Sep 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is sacked by New Orleans Saints linebacker Martez Wilson (95) in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders were busy making moves with the NFL Trade Deadline approaching, but it was on the waive wire picking up recent Saints cut Martez Wilson on Wednesday afternoon, Vic Tafur reported.

#Raiders claim LB Martez Wilson off waivers from Saints and cut DT Christo Bilukidi — Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) October 23, 2013

Standing at 6-foot-4, 252-pounds Martez Wilson is a former third round draft pick of the Saints. In 2012, the Illinois product appeared in all 16 games at both defensive end and on special teams, posting 18 tackles (12 solo), three sacks and also adding a blocked punt.

In his rookie campaign, the 2011 third-round pick played in 13 games and helped New Orleans reach the Divisional round of the playoffs, but fell out of favor this season appearing in just four games, posting four tackles and one sack. With Sean Payton having a wealth of linebackers to choose from Wilson was given the cut when the Saints needed to make a roster move to free up space. Oakland wisely snapped up on the opportunity to add a still promising third round pick in just his third year in the NFL.

In total Wilson played 33 games for Saints, with 30 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 passes defensed, & one forced fumble, decent stats for a role player at linebacker. Expect to see Wilson, a player who many were high on during the 2011 as a solid third round pick, turn some heads in a role where he can earn more playing time. With his height Jason Tarver is going to ensure that he is put to work in positions where he can make plays.



To make room the Raiders had to part ways with Canadian defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi.

Bilukidi, the team’s sixth-round pick in 2012, was inactive the last game in Kansas City after playing the first five which should have hinted that he was next in line to be cut. He had a sack and four tackles this season and will more than likely pop up in another NFL city sooner rather than later. If he needs a back up plan his hometown of Ottawa is getting a Canadian Football League expansion franchise next year.