Source: Linebacker Manti Te’o agrees to deal with Saints

METAIRIE, LA. >> NFL veteran linebacker Manti Te’o has agreed to sign a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been announced.

New Orleans also is bringing back free-agent cornerback Sterling Moore. Moore’s agent, Andy Simms, said Moore has agreed to a one-year deal.

Te’o, a former Notre Dame star, has played 38 games during four NFL seasons, all with San Diego, where he’s made 221 solo or assisted tackles, including 1½ sacks. He has two interceptions.

Last season, an Achilles injury limited the 6-foot1, 241-pound Te’o to three games.

In New Orleans, Te’o will work with linebackers coach Mike Nolan, who held the same post with the Chargers two seasons ago. Te’o had his most productive NFL season in 2015, making 83 total tackles in 12 games.

It remains to be seen how the Saints will use the 26-year-old Te’o. Incumbent starting middle linebacker Craig Robertson remains on the roster and New Orleans also added middle linebacker A.J. Klein when free agency began.

Klein, who was Luke Kuechly’s primary backup in Carolina, is expected to compete for a starting job.

Dannell Ellerbe, Stephone Anthony, Hau’oli Kikaha and Nate Stupar also are among the linebackers who remain on New Orleans’ roster.

Moore started 12 games for New Orleans last season. He intercepted two passes and was credited with 13 pass breakups.

The role Moore plays next season could hinge on the health of 2016 opening day starter P.J. Williams, who missed most of last season because of a severe concussion, or whether the Saints are able to acquire another top tier cornerback such as New England’s Malcolm Butler, a restricted free agent who visited New Orleans last week.

Lions re-sign DE Armonty Bryant

ALLEN PARK, MICH. >> The Detroit Lions have re-signed defensive end Armonty Bryant.

The team announced the move Tuesday and did not release terms. Bryant joined the Lions via waivers during the 2016 season. He spent his first three seasons in the NFL with Cleveland.

Bryant played in five games last season for Detroit and had three sacks. He had 5½ sacks the previous season with the Browns.

Bears to sign Benny Cunningham to boost return game

LAKE FOREST, ILL. >> The Chicago Bears boosted their kickoff return game, signing Benny Cunningham to a one-year contract.

Cunningham ranked among the top kickoff returners in the NFL the past four years with the St. Louis and Los Angeles Rams. His 2,575 yards in that span rank fourth, and he had the league’s third-highest return average at 27.2 yards last season. He also ran for 101 yards in 2016 and has rushed for 748 yards over four seasons.

Cunningham joins a team that finished last in the NFC North at 3-13. The Bears announced the move on Tuesday.