CSN Bay Area

Defensive tackle Dan Williams isn't the only player the Raiders added on Wednesday morning. The Silver and Black reached a deal with middle linebacker Curtis Lofton as well, a source confirmed to CSNCalifornia.com

The Saints released Lofton as a cap casualty on Monday, ending a three-year tenure in New Orleans. The Raiders got Lofton following a trip to the Raiders facility and a three-year contract reportedly worth $18 million, with $10 million in guaranteed money. According to the Baltimore Sun, which first reported terms of the contract, Lofton will make $3 million in fully guaranteed salary in 2015, with a roster bonus of $3.5 million this season. He's set to make a $5.35 million base salary in 2016 and $5.85 million in 2017. 

Lofton fills a major need. The Raiders were in the market for an inside linebacker after releasing Nick Roach last week. Roach missed the entire 2014 campaign with lingering symptoms from a concussion he sustained in the Raiders' third preseason game against the Packers. Miles Burris started all 16 games at middle linebacker last year, a unnatural spot for the weakside linebacker. 

The 28-year old should start at middle linebacker, but team added competition and depth by signing former Seahawks linebacker and Super Bowl XLVIII MVP Malcolm Smith on Tuesday.

Lofton recorded 145 tackles last year, the fourth most in the NFL. He struggled some last season on a lackluster Saints defense, but has a solid track record at middle linebacker. He has exceeded 100 tackles in six straight seasons.

The 6-foot, 241-pound veteran has been an ironman, playing every game in his seven-year professional career. He's missed just one start in that span. 

The 28-year old was selected 37th overall in 2008, and played his first four campaigns with the Falcons.